java Introduction to Reflection ~ GNIITHELP

Reflection API

Reflection means ability of a software to analyze itself. In Java, Reflection API provides facility to analyze and change runtime behaviour of a Class, at runtime.

For example, using reflection at the runtime you can determine what method, field, constructor or modifers a class supports.

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What is reflect package ?

java.lang.reflect package encapsulates several important interfaces and classes. These classes and interface define methods which are used for reflection.

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Some Important Classes of java.lang.reflect package

Class	What it does ?
Array	allow you to dynamically create and manipulate arrays
Constructor	gives information about constructor of a class
Field	provide information about field
Method	provide information about method
Modifier	provide information about class and member access modifier
Proxy	supports dynamic proxy classes

Apart from these classes java.lang.Class is another very important class used in Reflection API.

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Uses of Reflection

• Developing IDE
• Debugging and Test tools
• Loading drivers and providing dynamic information

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Disadvantages of Reflection

• Low performance
• Security risk
• Violation of Oops concept