[aarch64-port-dev ] Bring AArch64 into jdk8u mainline, pros/cons?

[Patrick Zhang OS]

Hi Andrew and aarch64-port folks,

I am not sure whether there had been similar discussion before. It seems to me bringing aarch64 into jdk8u mainline can be a positive.
The sustaining efficiency of patches/features among jdk/jdk, jdk8u main, and aarch64-port/jdk8u-shenandoah can be improved, whilst the process could be well aligned with those of other jdk updates, i.e., 11u, 12u, etc. While we would have to take care of patches (ported to aarch64-port/jdk8u-shenandoah) more strictly, allow fewer customizations, than before, to ensure a low rate of potential side-effects to main and other ports.

Recently I personally reviewed and tested some jdk8u open source projects, derived from OpenJDK 8u mainline, it is a pity that initially aarch64 was not in (someone did the porting later on). This situation should/would be improved if so.

Regards
Patrick