Ahead Of Time Compilation
Ahead Of Time (AOT) compilation is a programming language compilation technique where source code is compiled into native machine code before execution, typically during the build or deployment phase. This contrasts with Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, which occurs at runtime. AOT compilation is commonly used in languages and frameworks to improve startup performance, reduce memory usage, and enable execution in environments where JIT compilation is restricted.
Developers should use AOT compilation when building applications that require fast startup times, such as mobile apps, serverless functions, or embedded systems, as it eliminates runtime compilation overhead. It is also essential for security-sensitive or resource-constrained environments, like browsers with WebAssembly or IoT devices, where JIT compilation might be disabled or impractical. In languages like C, C++, or Go, AOT is the default, while in others like Java or .NET, it can be enabled for optimization.