INTRODUCTION:
Java Reflection is a powerful feature that allows a Java programme to analyse and modify its own structure and behaviour at runtime. Reflection is built on the concept of introspection, which is the ability of a computer to study its own structure and behaviour. Here is a summary of Java Reflection’s main attributes.
Dynamic Class Loading:
Dynamic class loading is one of Reflection’s primary features. A programme can dynamically expand its capability by loading classes at runtime thanks to dynamic class loading, which eliminates the need to recompile and redeploy the entire application. The ClassLoader class, which offers methods for loading classes from many sources, including file systems, network locations, and databases, is used to achieve dynamic class loading.
Reflection APIs:
Java Reflection offers a collection of APIs that let a programme runtime inspect and alter its own structure and behaviour. Key Reflection APIs include, among others:
Class: Information about a Java class, including its name, methods, properties, and constructors, is provided by the Class class.
The name, return type, and parameter types of a Java method are all provided by the Method class. It also offers ways to dynamically call the method.
Field: Information about a Java field, including its name and type, is provided by the Field class. Additionally, it offers techniques for dynamically reading and writing the field value.
Uses of Reflection:
The strong technology known as Java Reflection is used extensively in Java programming. One of the main applications is:
Developing dynamic class loaders: Reflection is used to develop dynamic class loaders, which may runtime load classes from various sources, including databases and network destinations.
In order to enable the programmed to dynamically expand its capability, reflection is utilized to generate plugins that can be dynamically loaded and unloaded at runtime.
Reflection is a tool used in debugging and testing to examine and alter a programmer’s behaviors’ while it is running.
Frameworks and libraries: To provide a flexible and adaptable architecture, reflection is utilised in numerous frameworks and libraries, including Spring and Hibernate.
CONCLUSION:
To sum up, Java Reflection is an effective feature that lets a Java programmer analyses and change its own structure and behaviors’ while it is running. Reflection offers dynamic class loading, a collection of APIs that let programmers dynamically add new features, and an extensible architecture.
