Should You Use the Thread Context Class Loader (TCCL) in Java?

Understanding the Role of Class Loaders

When loading classes in Java, the runtime relies on class loaders to determine which version of a class to instantiate. Each thread in an application can have its own thread's context class loader (TCCL) that overrides the default class loader.

TCCL vs. Normal Classloader

In situations where the TCCL and the class's normal class loader (NCL) differ, the TCCL takes precedence. This means that classes loaded using the TCCL will be used instead of those loaded using the NCL.

When to Use TCCL

However, the document strongly advises against using the TCCL. Instead, applications should use the NCL to load classes. The TCCL's existence is primarily due to a design flaw in the ObjectInputStream API, which lacks a parameter for specifying the class loader.

Best Practices

To avoid class loading issues, always use the NCL to load classes (getClass().getClassLoader()). If an API requires a class loader parameter, provide it with the NCL. In cases where the NCL is not available, consider altering the API to accept a class loader parameter or setting the TCCL to the NCL before using the API.

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