Spring Loaded agent¶
Spring Loaded is a Java agent designed to facilitate class reloading without requiring a JVM restart.^[600-developer__java__black-technology__javaagent.md] It allows developers to reload class file changes whilst the JVM is running, effectively supporting hot-swapping of code during development.^[600-developer__java__black-technology__javaagent.md]
Functionality¶
The agent operates by modifying the bytecode at runtime.^[600-developer__java__black-technology__javaagent.md] By intercepting the class loading process or redefining existing classes, Spring Loaded enables the immediate application of code changes in the running application.^[600-developer__java__black-technology__javaagent.md]
Context¶
Spring Loaded is an example of a javaagent.^[600-developer__java__black-technology__javaagent.md] Like other agents, it is typically packaged as a JAR file and initialized before the main application method executes.^[600-developer__java__black-technology__javaagent.md]