Building a GraalVM Native Image for Linux on Windows Using Docker

For Windows users seeking to create a GraalVM native image for a Linux environment, traditional approaches such as switching to Linux, dual booting, or using virtual machines can be cumbersome and inefficient. In this guide, we present a streamlined method leveraging Docker, enabling seamless development while retaining your Windows environment.

Traditional Methods and Their Challenges

Before exploring our Docker-based solution, let's review common methods and their limitations:

1. Switching to Linux – This approach requires fully migrating to a Linux OS, causing loss of access to Windows-based applications.
2. Dual Booting – Involves partitioning disk space for both Windows and Linux, requiring a reboot each time you switch between operating systems.
3. Using a Virtual Machine (VM) – While providing a Linux environment within Windows, this method demands significant system resources and additional configuration.

A Modern Solution: Leveraging Docker

Using Docker, you can set up an isolated Linux environment within Windows, facilitating native image generation without the need for OS switching.

Step 1: Creating an Ubuntu-Based Docker Container

To establish an Ubuntu container with Git pre-installed, use the following Dockerfile:

# Use the official Ubuntu image as the base
FROM ubuntu:latest

# Set non-interactive mode to avoid interactive prompts
ENV DEBIAN_FRONTEND=noninteractive

# Update package lists and install Git and Wget, then clean up
RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y \
    git \
    wget \
    && apt-get clean \
    && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

# Set the default command
CMD ["/bin/bash"]

Step 2: Running the Container and Setting Up GraalVM

1. Build and run the Docker container:

   docker build -t ubuntu-graalvm .
   docker run -it ubuntu-graalvm
   

2. Clone your project repository inside the container using Git.
3. Download and extract GraalVM manually:

   wget https://download.oracle.com/graalvm/23/latest/graalvm-jdk-23_linux-x64_bin.tar.gz
   tar -xvzf graalvm-jdk-23_linux-x64_bin.tar.gz
   

4. Configure JAVA_HOME to point to the extracted GraalVM directory.
5. Build the native image. For a Maven Spring Boot project, use:

   ./mvnw -Pnative native:compile
   

Step 3: Transferring the Native Image to the Local Machine

Once the native image is successfully built, copy it from the container to your Windows system using:

docker cp <container_id>:/app/project/webfluxtest/target/webfluxtest C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents

Step 4: Packaging the Native Image in a Linux-Based Container

To deploy the native image within a Linux environment, use the following Dockerfile:

# Use a minimal Ubuntu base image
FROM ubuntu:latest

# Install necessary dependencies
RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y libc6 && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

# Set working directory
WORKDIR /app

# Copy the prebuilt native binary into the container
COPY webfluxtest /app/webfluxtest

EXPOSE 8080

# Set execution permissions
RUN chmod +x /app/webfluxtest

# Define the entrypoint
ENTRYPOINT ["/app/webfluxtest"]

Step 5: Building and Running the Final Container

1. Build the Docker image:

   docker build -t webfluxtest-native .
   

2. Run the container:

   docker run -p 8080:8080 webfluxtest-native
   

At this stage, your GraalVM native image is successfully running within a Linux-based Docker container, all while maintaining your Windows development environment.

Conclusion

By utilizing Docker, Windows users can efficiently build and deploy Linux-native GraalVM applications without the need for complex system reconfigurations. This approach enhances flexibility, optimizes workflow, and eliminates unnecessary overhead. Start leveraging Docker today for seamless native image development!