JNI, short for Java Native Interface, is a programming framework that enables the communication between Java applications and code written in other programming languages, particularly C and C++. It serves as a bridge or interface between the Java programming language and the native code written in other languages, allowing developers to invoke native methods from Java and vice versa.
Upon compilation, Java code is transformed into bytecode. However, some tasks may require direct interaction with the underlying operating system or hardware, which Java alone may not be able to handle efficiently. In such cases, JNI plays a crucial role by facilitating the integration of native code modules, which have direct access to system resources, with Java applications.
The JNI framework provides a set of APIs, tools, and mechanisms to define, implement, and manage the interaction between the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and the native code, ensuring compatibility and interoperability. It defines specific conventions for naming and calling native methods, along with a set of data types that can be used to exchange information between Java and native code.
JNI allows developers to write performance-critical or system-dependent parts of an application in lower-level programming languages, while retaining the high-level benefits and platform independence of Java. By leveraging JNI, developers can unlock the power of native code and seamlessly integrate it with Java applications, enhancing performance, flexibility, and functionality.
