Pros And Cons Of Dynamic Java Compilation

Computers & Technology

  • Author Wave Cradle
  • Published November 21, 2011
  • Word count 513

There often exists the need for dynamic code generation; various project that Java developers undertake need to utilize dynamic codes followed by their compilation. To come up with the best results it is important to write the Suite class, get it compiled and finally run it. If it works well then surely one can say that the project was a success. Everything is fine as long as all this work is done manually, however compiling each step manually can be tedious and tiring, therefore we need to find a way to automate this entire process. Automation of these steps often results in problems and therefore we need to utilize the right software’s for optimum results.

Automating The Compilation Process With The Help Of Dynamic Java

Java software developers are aware of the need to automate the compilation process as it doesn’t just help in getting rid of a boring job, but it also saves a lot of our precious time which we can utilize for more creative purposes. Hence, it is important to use Java to help automate the compilation process i.e. Dynamic Java Compilation. Java version 1.6 has a whole class named javax.tools.JavaCompiler that is specialised in offering us automatic compilation. Using this class is pretty easy, and all you need to do is follow these four simple steps:

  • First and foremost you’ll need to generate the java code that you require in a string, either StringBuffer, CharSequence, byte array or any other string that is suitable for your project.

  • Once the coding is complete, you then need to compile it into particular classes.

  • Now that the code has been compiled you need to load this compiled code with the help of the ClassLoader which you can find in the classpath.

  • The last step is the step that everyone is waiting for – run the generated class and see all your hard work pay off.

As a set default the JavaCompiler writes the entire compiled class onto a disc, but this isn’t always the best option as very often one notice that the directory that one may run the code from is just a read only directory. Hence Java deveopers need to overcome this problem with certain codes. With the help of these codes it is possible to maintain the compiled class within the memory itself.

Even though the JavaCompiler has loads of benefits, there are certain drawbacks as well. This compiler can’t be used with the custom ClassLoader, therefore any class that is generated using a dynamic compilation can under no circumstances be used for any of the further dynamic compilations. Take for instance; you generate a dynamic compilation called Class1, you then wish to generate Class2 just by extending Class1, you can do this but when you load it the compilation of Class2 it gives an error message saying ClassNotFoundException about Class1.

Even with this one drawback Dynamic Java Compilation is still the best option as it offers a wide variety of other great features to help Java developers perform better and more efficiently.

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