ClassLoader loading class, Reflection operation class; 1. ClassLoader loads classes according to the delegated model (Bootstrap→Platform→Application); 2. Reflection accesses private members through API reflections such as Class, Field, Method, etc.; 3. The two combine to realize dynamic loading and calling, which is common in frameworks and plug-in systems; attention should be paid to performance, security and memory leakage issues. Reasonable use can improve program flexibility and be summarized.
Java's ClassLoader and Reflection API are powerful mechanisms that allow dynamic loading and inspection of classes at runtime. While they're often used behind the scenes by frameworks (like Spring or Hibernate), understanding how they work gives developers deeper insight into Java's inner workings and enables advanced programming techniques.

Let's break them down one by one, and then see how they often work together.
? What is a ClassLoader?
In Java, classes aren't loaded all at once when the program starts. Instead, they're loaded dynamically as needed. This is the job of the ClassLoader .

The ClassLoader
is a class in java.lang
responsible for loading classes into the JVM from various sources—like the file system, network, or even generated bytecode in memory.
? Types of ClassLoaders
There are three built-in class loaders in Java:

-
Bootstrap ClassLoader
- Loads core Java classes (eg,
java.lang.*
,java.util.*
) fromrt.jar
or equivalent. - Implemented in native code (C/C ), not Java.
- Parent of all other class loaders.
- Loads core Java classes (eg,
-
Extension (Platform) ClassLoader
- Loads classes from the extension directories (eg,
jre/lib/ext
or specified viajava.ext.dirs
). - Child of the Bootstrap ClassLoader.
- In newer JDKs, this has been largely replaced by the Platform ClassLoader.
- Loads classes from the extension directories (eg,
-
Application (System) ClassLoader
- Loads classes from the application's classpath (
CLASSPATH
,-cp
, or--class-path
). - The default loader for user-defined classes.
- Child of the Extension/Platform ClassLoader.
- Loads classes from the application's classpath (
You can also create custom class loaders by extending java.lang.ClassLoader
, useful for:
- Loading classes from remote servers
- Implementing hot-swapping
- Sandboxing (eg, applets, plugins)
? Delegation Model
When a class is requested, the ClassLoader follows a delegation hierarchy :
- Delegates to parent first (Bootstrap → Platform → Application)
- Only if the parent can't load it, tries to load it itself
This ensures core classes can't be overridden by malicious code.
// Example: Getting the class loader of a class Class<?> clazz = String.class; System.out.println(clazz.getClassLoader()); // null (Bootstrap) clazz = MyClass.class; System.out.println(clazz.getClassLoader()); // AppClassLoader instance
? What is the Reflection API?
The Reflection API ( java.lang.reflect
) allows a running Java program to inspect and manipulate classes, methods, fields, and constructors at runtime—even if they're private.
It's like giving your program the ability to "look at itself" and change behavior dynamically.
Key Classes in Reflection
-
Class<T>
– Represents a class or interface. -
Field
– Represents a field (variable). -
Method
– Represents a method. -
Constructor<T>
– Represents a constructor.
Common Use Cases
- Frameworks (Spring DI, JPA, Jackson): auto-wiring, serialization
- Debugging and testing tools
- Dynamic proxies
- Plugin systems
Example: Using Reflection to Access a Private Field
import java.lang.reflect.Field; class Person { private String name = "Alice"; } public class ReflectionDemo { public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception { Person p = new Person(); Field field = Person.class.getDeclaredField("name"); field.setAccessible(true); // Bypass private System.out.println(field.get(p)); // Output: Alice } }
?? Note : Reflection bypasses access control, so use carefully—especially in security-sensitive environments.
? How ClassLoaders and Reflection Work Together
Reflection needs a Class
object to inspect or instantiate something. But where does that Class
come from?
Often, the class is loaded via a ClassLoader
, and then reflection is used to work with it.
Example: Load and Instantiate a Class Dynamically
public class DynamicLoader { public static void main(String[] args) { try { // Use the system class loader ClassLoader loader = ClassLoader.getSystemClassLoader(); // Load class by name Class<?> clazz = loader.loadClass("com.example.MyService"); // Create an instance Object instance = clazz.getDeclaredConstructor().newInstance(); // Call a method via reflection Method method = clazz.getMethod("doSomething"); method.invoke(instance); } catch (Exception e) { e.printStackTrace(); } } }
This pattern is common in:
- Servlet containers (loading web apps)
- OSGi modules
- Plugin architectures
?? Pitfalls and Best Practices
Concern | Advice |
---|---|
Performance | Reflection is slower than direct calls. Cache Method , Field objects if reused. |
Security | Can break encapsulation. Use SecurityManager (deprecated in newer JDKs) or module system. |
Class Loading Conflicts | Avoid duplicate class loading (eg, same class in two loaders → ClassCastException ). |
Memory Leaks | Custom class loaders can cause leaks if not garbage-collected (eg, in app servers). |
Compatibility | Reflection may break with module system ( --illegal-access ) in JDK 16. |
? Summary
- ClassLoader loads classes into the JVM, following a hierarchical delegation model.
- Reflection lets you inspect and manipulate classes, methods, and fields at runtime.
- Together, they power frameworks, plugins, and dynamic behavior in Java.
- Use both carefully—especially in production—due to performance and security implications.
Understanding these tools helps you write more flexible code—and debug complex issues when frameworks don't behave as expected.
Basically, they're the backbone of Java's runtime dynamism.
The above is the detailed content of Understanding Java ClassLoaders and the Reflection API. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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