JNA is a foreign function interface and native memory mapper that allows Java applications to call functions in shared native libraries without writing custom JNI wrapper code. It serves as a JNI alternative framework for invoking C functions and mapping native data structures using high-level interfaces.
The library distinguishes itself through its ability to translate Java objects and primitives into C-style structs, unions, and pointers for cross-platform memory exchange. On Windows, it provides a dedicated toolkit for interacting with Component Object Model objects using both early and late binding.
The framework covers broad capability areas including native library integration, runtime symbol resolution, and data marshaling for complex memory layouts. It provides tools for native callbacks, shared library loading from system paths, and platform-specific API mappings for operating system tasks. Diagnostic features are included for library loading, system error retrieval, and native crash protection.
The project supports compiling native library components for various device architectures on the Android platform using standard native development kits.
