How to make libraries compatible with .NET Native AOT

Quick Overview:
AOT compilation for .NET includes pre-compiling code to native machine code where JIT compilation isn’t practical before the execution to enhance efficiency and compatibility. In this blog, we will explore the various advantages of native AOT in .NET. We will also discuss in brief when and how you should choose to compile AOT.

Libraries Compatible with .NET Native AOT

During publication, intermediate or half-compiled code (IL) is compiled using a .Net native AOT compiler in the native AOT deployment paradigm. AOT programs are not dependent on a JIT compiler during runtime, in contrast to JIT (just-in-time) compilation projects. Rather, the code is precompiled, enabling .NET native AOT programs to run in constrained contexts that do not allow the use of a JIT compiler.

Rather, your C# code is directly compiled into native machine code on your computer. For instance, an executable (.exe) file is downloaded straight to Windows. While IL is still theoretically involved in the process, it is transparently completed in a single compilation step, providing you with a native executable.

Explore the Advantages of .NET Native AOT

.NET Native AOT is especially useful for workloads with many deployed instances, including hyper-scale services and cloud infrastructure. ASP.NET Core allows native AOT to be included in .NET 8. When publishing, the Native AOT deployment technique compiles IL to native code using an advanced compiler. In limited situations where a JIT is prohibited, .NET native AOT programs can operate. Like releasing self-contained software, native AOT apps target identifiable runtime circumstances, such as Linux x64 or Windows x64.

When switching to a .NET native AOT deployment approach, it’s critical to extensively test a program. The AOT distributed app should be evaluated to ensure that functionality hasn’t changed from the untamed and JIT-compiled code. Review and fix AOT alerts when developing the app. When publishing, an app that displays AOT warnings might not function properly. The published AOT app should function identically to the unadorned and JIT-compiled app if there are no AOT warnings at publication.

Enhancement of Performance

Indigenous AOT .NET provides notable enhancements in performance by precompiling the application code. This reduces the cost related to JIT compilation by doing away with the requirement for it during runtime.

Decrease in Startup Time

Applications launch much faster since the code has already been converted into native code. This is especially helpful when a prompt program, such as serverless or mobile apps, is needed.

Diminution of Memory Footprint

Because Native AOT.NET eliminates the need to retain intermediate compilation artifacts in memory, applications have a smaller memory footprint. This results in reduced memory usage and enhanced performance, particularly in limited memory settings.

Increased Protection

Native AOT.NET may use security hardening methods during the development process, increasing the resilience of applications against possible assaults by generating code ahead of time.

When Do You Use .NET Native AOT Composition?

When you need to optimize the size and speed of your .NET application, Native AOT Compilation comes in handy. Applications like mobile apps and high-end computer programs that need fast startup times and effective runtime performance will find it very helpful. In these cases, the programs that are AOT-compiled are converted into native code in advance, enabling them to start and run more quickly since they require no additional time on Just-in-Time (JIT) composition during runtime.

This can result in significant cost and performance savings, particularly in large-scale cloud systems where resource management and quick scalability are critical. AOT-compiled binaries also simplify deployment and increase the application’s resistance to changes in the installation environment since they are freestanding and require fewer dependencies.

However, given its existing restrictions, it might not be appropriate for every project. The .NET Native AOT compilation may not be suitable for your project if it largely depends on libraries that cannot handle it or if it uses platform-specific capabilities incompatible with AOT. When choosing to employ .NET native AOT compilation, always consider your project’s unique requirements and limitations.

The ASP .NET Core Web API (native AOT) application template is a new template introduced in .NET 8 that is particularly made for native AOT. This template may be recognized and has AOT publish activated by default. It is designed for developers who want to take advantage of the AOT compilation’s full power from the beginning of their project.

Why Should You Choose AOT?

One of the biggest benefits of C#’s Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation is the removal of reliance on the .NET runtime while the code is being executed. The foundation of the .NET framework, the Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation technique, makes the idea of “write once, run anywhere” possible. However, this .NET runtime requirement can occasionally be a barrier, especially when programs are deployed in contexts where installing multiple runtime systems is impractical or undesirable. For example, a complete .NET runtime might not be supported or permitted to be included on some embedded devices, basic containers running Docker, or other resource-constrained settings.

Developers can assemble their apps into the precise format needed for each platform. As a result, the target machine no longer has to have the .NET runtime installed, making deploying these apps easier. AOT compilation, for instance, may convert a .NET program into a format immediately executable on Linux systems, making it suitable for deployment on such platforms. This eliminates the concern about whether the destination machine has the .NET runtime and allows us to deploy the program.

Do You Need to Compile AOT?

AOT compilation might not be beneficial if your web application or program is designed to operate as just one instance that can run for days without restarting. AOT, however, becomes relevant if your application is a transient service that is regularly resumed.

This may be the case for ASP.NET Core applications if your scaling policy adjusts the number of versions of your application in response to demand. There has been a lot of hype surrounding AOT in recent years. With good reason—faster startup times, lower memory and disc utilization, and improved user experience may add up to lower operating costs and better user experiences.

Following the app’s setup, they can gauge the startup times, memory use, and application size—all of which Microsoft claims to have improved in .NET Native AOT. Please remember that the implementation will determine all these values, including the number of objects allocated, the statements run at startup, and the systems and libraries referred to. Even if the upcoming charts are online to our basic app, they can still utilize them to understand their advantages and how well they function across various platforms.

Conclusion

Deploying .NET native AOT has several advantages for memory optimization and faster startup times. Self-contained publications allow this deployment paradigm, improving Minimal APIs’ performance in .NET 8 and promises even better performance. However, it has certain drawbacks, such as installing particular workloads and libraries. The project’s particular requirements play a strategic role in the choice of a building method in .NET 8. Because the benchmarks provide this decision on a quantifiable basis, developers can better make judgments consistent with their development philosophies and performance aims.

Significant speed gains may be obtained using native AOT in .NET, particularly for apps where startup time is crucial. The advantages could be strong, even with some restrictions and other factors. Native AOT will likely be supported by more frameworks and libraries as .NET develops, making it an even more alluring choice for developers trying to optimize their apps.