Classloaders

Classloaders are responsible for finding and loading Java class files. Classloaders affect the packaging of applications and the run-time behavior of packaged applications deployed on application servers.

For conceptual information on classloaders, see Classloader hierarchy.

For information on configuring classloaders, see these topics:

Classloaders in applications
This topic describes how to configure classloader settings when you package your application using the Application Assembly Tool (AAT) or using the administrative console after the application has been deployed.

Administer classloaders using the administrative console
This topic describes how to configure classloader settings in the administrative console.

Administer shared libraries
Shared libraries provide a way to define utility libraries so that they can be found by the classloaders during application run time. This topic describes how to define shared libraries and associate them with your applications or servers.

Migrate the classloader Module Visibility Mode setting
This topic describes how to migrate from the WAS version 4 Module Visibility Mode settings to the equivalent version 5 configuration.

Classloader modes
Classloader modes define the search order classloaders use when looking for classes. This topic describes the classloader modes available.

Classloader policies
Classloader policies define the number of classloaders and the isolation between application components. This topic describes the classloader policies available, and how they affect the classloaders in which your application runs.