Applications of enhanced dynamic code evolution for Java in GUI development and dynamic aspect-oriented programming

Abstract

While dynamic code evolution in object-oriented systems is an important feature supported by dynamic languages, there is currently only limited support for dynamic code evolution in highperformance, state-of-the-art runtime systems for statically typed languages, such as the Java Virtual Machine. In this tool demonstration, we present the Dynamic Code Evolution VM, which is based on a recent version of Oracle's state-of-the-art Java HotSpot TM VM and allows unlimited changes to loaded classes at runtime. Based on the Dynamic Code Evolution VM, we developed an enhanced version of the Mantisse GUI builder (which is part of the NetBeans IDE) that allows adding GUI components without restarting the application under development. Furthermore, we redesigned the dynamic AOP framework HotWave to take advantage of the enhanced dynamic code evolution capabilities. The new version, HotWave2, now supports most AspectJ constructs, including around() advice and static cross-cutting. We will demonstrate both the enhanced Mantisse GUI builder as well as HotWave2, weaving several aspects for dynamic analysis in sizable applications at runtime.

Safe and atomic run-time code evolution for Java and its application to dynamic AOP

“…That is, aspects are woven statically at build time or at load time, but cannot be (re)woven in a running system. However, there are several AOP frameworks for Java that explicitly support dynamic AOP, such as PROSE [26,30,31], Steam-loom [7,12], Wool [8], JAsCo [37,38], JBossAOP [17], AspectWerkz [39], HotWave [40], and HotWave2 [42,43]. These frameworks are discussed below.…”

“…HotWave [40] and HotWave2 [42,43] are dynamic AOP frameworks particularly designed for the implementation of adaptive dynamic analysis tools. The main focus of these frameworks is on run-time weaving in any method that has a bytecode representation, including methods in the Java class library.…”

Cross-Language Interoperability in a Multi-Language Runtime

“…• Würthinger et al [114][115][116] extended the HotSpot™ VM with support for dynamic code evolution, which allows applying changes to running applications.…”