What is the difference between JIT compilation and ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation?

JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation performs the transformation of bytecode into machine code at runtime. This allows for code optimization based on current operating conditions but may cause delays during startup or operation due to on-the-fly compilation.

AOT (Ahead-Of-Time) compilation occurs beforehand, before the application runs. The code is fully compiled into machine code, which speeds up startup and application performance since there is no need to compile code during execution.

In Flutter, for example, JIT is used in development mode for quick iteration and hot reload, while AOT is used in release builds for maximum performance.