Associate shared libraries with servers
We can associate shared libraries with the class loader of a server. Classes represented by the shared library are then loaded in a server-wide class loader, making the classes available to all applications deployed on the server.
This topic assumes that we have created a shared library. The shared library represents a library file used by multiple deployed applications.
To associate a shared library with the class loader of a server, create and configure a library reference using the console. A library reference specifies the name of the shared library file.
If we associate a shared library with a server class loader, do not associate the same shared library with an application.
- Configure class loaders for applications deployed on the server.
- Click Servers > Server Types > WebSphere application servers > server_name
- Set values for the application Class loader policy and Class loading mode of the server.
- Create a library reference for each shared library file that the application needs.
Repeat the previous steps until you define a library reference for each shared library that the application needs.
- In the console, click Servers > Server Types > WebSphere application servers > server_name > Java and Process Management > Class loader > class_loader_ID .
- Click Shared library references to access the Library reference page.
- Click Add.
- On the library reference settings page, name the library reference. The name identifies the shared library file that the application uses.
- Click Apply. The name of the library reference is shown in the list on the Library reference page.
What to do next
To verify that an application can use a shared library, test the application or examine the class loader in the Class loader viewer. Click Troubleshooting > Class loader viewer > module_name > Table View. The classpath of the application module class loader lists the classes used by the shared library.
Related concepts
Class loaders
Related tasks
Create shared libraries Associate shared libraries with applications or modules
Shared library collection Library reference collection Library reference settings Application server settings