Java Reflection is a powerful feature of the Java programming language that allows for runtime introspection and dynamic interaction with classes, methods, and fields. It enables developers to create objects, invoke methods, and modify fields dynamically, even when class names are not known at compile time. Reflection is essential in development tools, testing frameworks, and serialization, but it must be used with caution to avoid performance issues and maintain code integrity.
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Java Reflection is a mechanism in the Java programming language that allows programs to dynamically interact with their own structure and behavior during execution
java.lang.Class
The java.lang.Class class serves as the gateway to reflection operations in Java
java.lang.reflect.Method
The java.lang.reflect.Method class encapsulates information about individual methods in Java
java.lang.reflect.Field
The java.lang.reflect.Field class represents a class or interface's field in Java
Java Reflection has evolved since its introduction in JDK 1.1, with the Reflection API being formally introduced in JDK 1.2
Java Reflection is used in Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), testing frameworks, and object-relational mapping frameworks for dynamic loading, inspection, and modification of classes at runtime
Dynamic Loading and Inspection
Java Reflection allows for the dynamic loading and inspection of classes, methods, and fields at runtime
Access to Private Members
Java Reflection enables access to private members of classes and objects
Manipulation of Arrays
Java Reflection allows for the manipulation of arrays in Java
Implementing Java Reflection involves obtaining the Class object and extracting class information, methods, fields, and constructors for dynamic manipulation at runtime
Java Reflection enhances the extensibility and flexibility of software systems by allowing for dynamic manipulation of classes and objects at runtime
Java Reflection is essential for advanced debugging and testing capabilities in software development
Java Reflection plays a pivotal role in Java Beans for property manipulation and in Remote Method Invocation (RMI) for invoking methods on remote objects
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Purpose of java.lang.Class in Reflection
Represents classes and interfaces in running Java app, used to get metadata, create instances, get constructors, methods, fields.
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Role of java.lang.reflect.Method
Represents class's method, allows to invoke methods at runtime, get parameter info, return type, modify accessibility.
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Function of java.lang.reflect.Field
Represents class's field, permits dynamic access, modification of fields, get/set field values regardless of access modifier.
