ART Runtime is replacing the aging dalvik runtime for good: performance and extended battery.
What is ART Runtime
Dalvik Runtime is being replaced with next generation ART (android runtime) in Android 5.x or later. Google has introduced it now so that developers can start testing their apps with it in KitKat 4.4.x
The older Dalvik uses what is called JIT runtime compiler which basically compiles java dex code to optimized native code (C binary) at the runtime.
The next gen ART uses AOT (Ahead of time) compiler which optimizes and converts java/dex code to Native during installation (ahead of time).
How is ART better
Both have their pros and cons, but overall AOT is faster than JIT. AOT is better at doing fast things really fast e.g. Scrolling a page in app (list, images, webview, etc) would be faster with AOT (used by ART), less often it would need to reclaim memory (GC -> garbage collector) vs. JIT.
JIT used by Dalvik has added advantages of being able to optimize java/dex code to native better, but it takes time to do so.
Overall ART should give faster launch times, smoother scrolling and better battery. Its still in alpha stage, we probably will see ART in Android 5.0 L-release doing wonders.
How to Enable ART on any Stock or AOSP ROM
Simplest way to enable ART on an AOSP ROM is through “Developer options > select runtime”. But sadly, the option is not even available in most stock ROMs may it be HTC, Samsung, Sony, LG, Motorola etc. The work around is following the steps mentioned below:
Pre-requisites:
1. Rooted 4.4.x ROM (Stock or Custom) with some custom recovery (CWM or TWRP)
2. Xposed framework is not compatible with ART runtime. You must uninstall Xposed framework before continuing.
3. To Check If You Are Using ART Or Dalvik, goto
Open data/property/persist.sys.dalvik.vm.lib in Text Editor, if it shows ‘libart.so’, you’re already on ART, else it would say ‘libdvm.so’.
4. Full list of apps that don’t work with ART.
Note: If libart.so and libart-compiler.so is Not Present in lib folder. Your ROM Doesn’t Support ART.
Update: There are essentionally two Methods: 1. Independent flashable Zips 2. AROMA based installer.
Follow any method.
Step 1.
Method 1. Download Enable ART, Enable Dalvik flashable Zips from xda thread.
Method 2 (AROMA): Download AROM ART/Dalvik switcher from XDA thread.
Step 2.
Method 1. Flash the Enable ART zip in recovery and clear Dalvik cache.
Method 2. In recovery, choose zip and AROMA installer will help you through rest of the process.
Reboot, your ROM would boot and create ART cache for the first boot.
Troubleshooting: If you’ve any bootloops or problems, you can revert the change at anytime by flashing enable dalvik zip if you’re following Method 1. If you’re following Method 2, use AROMA again to switch back to Dalvik.
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