Loader

A Loader represents a Java ClassLoader implementation that can be used by a Container to load class files (within a repository associated with the Loader) that are designed to be reloaded upon request, as well as a mechanism to detect whether changes have occurred in the underlying repository.

In order for a Loader implementation to successfully operate with a Context implementation that implements reloading, it must obey the following constraints:

• Must implement Lifecycle so that the Context can indicate that a new class loader is required.
• The start() method must unconditionally create a new ClassLoader implementation.
• The stop() method must throw away its reference to the ClassLoader previously utilized, so that the class loader, all classes loaded by it, and all objects of those classes, can be garbage collected.
• Must allow a call to stop() to be followed by a call to start() on the same Loader instance.
• Based on a policy chosen by the implementation, must call the Context.reload() method on the owning Context when a change to one or more of the class files loaded by this class loader is detected.