Why it matters

FFM modernizes native interop. Understanding shapes modern Java + native integration.

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The architecture

Linker: describes native functions.

SymbolLookup: finds symbols in libraries.

Arena: manages off-heap memory.

FFM API componentsLinker + descriptorsnative function contractsArenaoff-heap memoryMethodHandlecall nativejextract tool generates Java bindings from C headers automatically
FFM API components.
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How it works end to end

Safer than JNI: type-safe descriptors.

Faster than JNI: less overhead.

Memory: Arena provides safer off-heap allocation with lifecycle.

jextract: generate bindings from C headers.