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 information on configuring classloaders, see these topics:

Classloader hierarchy
This topic provides an overview of classloaders and describes how the application server applies different levels of classloaders.

Class preloading
In versions 5.1.1 and later, class preloading enables application servers to start more quickly. This topic provides information about class preloading.

Classloaders in applications
This topic describes how to configure classloader settings when you package your application using the WebSphere administrative console after the application has been deployed.

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

Migrate the classloader Module Visibility Mode setting
This topic describes how to migrate from the WebSphere Application Server Version 4 Module Visibility Mode settings to the equivalent Version 5.1 configuration.

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.