Principle:Apache Kafka Process Launch
| Knowledge Sources | |
|---|---|
| Domains | Operations, Server_Administration |
| Last Updated | 2026-02-09 12:00 GMT |
Overview
A process execution mechanism that launches the JVM with assembled classpath, options, and the target main class.
Description
Process Launch is the final step of broker startup that executes the JVM with all configured options. It supports two modes: foreground (exec) which replaces the shell process, and daemon mode (nohup) which runs the JVM in the background. It also supports a native mode where a pre-compiled binary is executed instead of the JVM. The command combines all previously assembled options: heap, performance, GC logging, JMX, Log4j, and the classpath.
Usage
Use this principle as the terminal step in any Kafka process startup. The launch mode (foreground vs daemon vs native) is determined by the calling script's arguments.
Theoretical Basis
The launch assembles the final command line:
- Command Assembly: Combine JAVA binary path, all JVM options, classpath, and main class with arguments.
- Execution Mode Selection:
- Foreground (exec): Replaces the current shell process with the JVM, used for normal operation.
- Daemon (nohup): Launches the JVM in background with output redirected to a log file.
- Native: Executes a pre-compiled binary instead of the JVM for GraalVM native images.