Section 15.7. RELATED WORK

15.7. RELATED WORK

JMangler has often been described as a class file transformation framework and has consequently been compared to similar tools [33]. However, JMangler version 3, described in this paper, clearly separates the concerns of generic class file interception, nested class loading, control of the weaving process, and class file manipulation. Its contributions to the state-of-the-art address the first three concerns. Its open architecture makes the system independent of a particular transformation framework. This is a step forward compared to the work we reported in [10, 33].

Related to the generic interception mechanism, we know of only one recently started similar project. As of May 2003, the BeeSee system (http://besee.sourceforge.net/) is being redesigned to provide a generic interception mechanism "largely inspired by JMangler 3.x" (see the javadoc of class "Starter"). The aim of the development is to provide a lightweight version of JMangler's basic mechanisms at the price of eliminating support for more advanced features like nested class loading and iterative application of transformers.

Related to nested class loading, we know of no similar work yet.

Related to weaving control, effects similar to the iterative application of transformers can be achieved in systems based on logic metaprogramming (e.g., SOUL) [14, 41], due to their inherent backtracking mechanism.

JMangler's iteration mechanism is a means of resolving potential conflicts between different transformations. Douence et al. present a more advanced approach to detection and resolution of aspect-aspect conflicts [17]. Their work is based on an event model of aspect-oriented programming and additional annotations of aspect programs. Bardey and Kniesel's work provides a similar effect based on detection of dependencies among conditional program transformations [3, 32]. Störzer and Krinke present an approach to aspect-base interference based on traditional program analysis techniques in [43].