Chapter 41 — Vector API

The Java Vector API provides explicit SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data) operations that leverage CPU vector instructions (e.g., AVX, NEON) for substantial speedups in numeric workloads. It complements auto‑vectorization by giving you precise control over lanes, masks, and memory access.

Note: The module name and status (incubator vs standard) depend on your JDK version. Historically it was available as jdk.incubator.vector. Verify your JDK’s release notes and adjust build flags accordingly.

What You’ll Learn

• Species, lanes, and basic arithmetic operations
• Masks, blending, comparisons, and reductions
• Memory operations: load/store, slice, gather/scatter
• Performance tuning, benchmarking, and portability across architectures

Use this chapter to implement efficient, data‑parallel loops for image processing, ML preprocessing, DSP, and simulation kernels.