The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is a marvel of engineering, optimized for long-running, high-performance applications. Its just-in-time (JIT) compiler analyzes code as it runs, making sophisticated optimizations to deliver incredible peak performance. But this strength becomes a weakness in a serverless model. When a Lambda function starts cold, the JVM must go through its entire initialization process: loading classes, verifying bytecode and beginning the slow warm-up of the JIT compiler. This can take several seconds - an eternity for a latency-sensitive workflow.
Cold starts in AWS Lambda refer to the additional latency introduced when initializing a new execution environment for a function invoked after a period of inactivity.
AWS Lambda allows for concurrent execution of programs, leveraging Goroutines for non-blocking I/O bound tasks, enhancing performance similar to Node.js asynchronous handling.