JMangler - a framework for load-time transformation of Java class files

Abstract

Current proposals for load-time transformation of Java classes are either dependent on the use of a specific class loader or dependent on a specific JVM implementation. This is not due to an inadequacy of the Java platform but to the wrong choice of the level at which to hook into the Java Class Loader Architecture. JMangler follows a novel approach that ensures both class loader and JVM independence by hooking into the base class of all class loaders. Furthermore, existing proposals do not allow transformers to be treated as components because implicit dependencies must be resolved manually. The paper shows that automatic composition is possible for the well-defined class of interface transformations that still include powerful transformations, like addition of fields, methods and classes, and changes to the class hierarchy. Consequently, interface transformers can be deployed jointly even if developed independently.