A proposal currently being discussed within the OpenJDK community aims to bring a full-featured version of open-source Java to RISC-V hardware. If approved, this initiative could result in the availability of Java on RISC-V systems as early as Java Development Kit (JDK) 18, which is scheduled for release in September. The initial focus would be on supporting Java on Linux for RISC-V, with the RV64G instruction set architecture (ISA) being the primary target, alongside experimental support for vector operations.
This project has garnered support from major companies such as Huawei, Alibaba, and Red Hat. Huawei, in particular, has already developed a complete RISC-V port based on a snapshot of the OpenJDK mainline from May 2021. According to the proposal, this port has passed several JTReg tests, suggesting it can run most Java programs without issue. However, while vector operations are in progress, they remain in an experimental phase, with further testing required before full functionality is confirmed. The port’s source code will be rebased to the latest JDK mainline before it is fully integrated into the project.
RISC-V itself is an open-source, royalty-free instruction set architecture that has gained significant traction in the computing industry. Unlike proprietary instruction sets, RISC-V offers users the flexibility to add modular extensions to suit specific needs, which makes it an appealing choice for a wide range of applications, from embedded systems to large-scale enterprise servers. Major tech companies such as Google, Nvidia, Rambus, and Samsung are all actively participating in the RISC-V ecosystem, contributing to its growth and adoption.
By porting Java to RISC-V, the proposal seeks to extend Java’s reach to new hardware platforms, allowing developers to leverage the growing capabilities of the RISC-V architecture. If successful, this would further cement RISC-V’s position as a viable alternative to traditional, proprietary instruction sets, while also opening up new possibilities for Java development in various industries.