name: java-class-file-api
description: "Use when Java 24+ code parses, generates, or transforms .class files with java.lang.classfile."
license: CC-BY-4.0-summary
compatibility: "JDK 24+"
metadata:
sources:
- "https://openjdk.org/jeps/484"
Class-File API
Use for Class-File API work from JEP 484 when targeting JDK 24+.
When active
- Use
ClassFile.of()as the parse/build/transform entry point. - Use models and builders instead of visitor boilerplate.
- Use transforms to pass through, drop, or replace class-file elements.
Pitfalls
- This is not reflection over loaded classes.
- Do not manually manage constant pools, labels, or stack maps unless necessary.
- Final API differs from preview names.
Examples
Read examples/jep-484.md for JEP-derived snippets.