Dynamically Create and Compile Java Classes

Question

Hi,
I have a requirement to dynamically create and compile Java classes and would like some advice on the best method to do so.
Basically the project I am working on involves creating "Factors". Factors are items that have both attributes and weights so for example Factor A could have attribute B with weight 0.76, and attribute C with weight 1.33. There are a number of methods common to all factors such as calculateTotal, identify etc etc.
At the moment the application has 5 factors, but there is a requirement to dynamically add and remove factors on the fly.
I current solution I have been considering is using XML to describe the new class, build up the class and compile it; something along the lines of what is descibed at
http://www.javaworld.com/javaworld/jw-02-2002/jw-0201-xslt_p.html
however i would like to consider all options.
Any help with this is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

You want to dynamically create and compile Java classes.
I would try the following:
(1) Write the Source code of the new class into a text file with the name MyNewClass.java
(2) compile this new .java-file with Runtime r = getRuntime();
try {
    r.exec ("javac MyNewClass.java");
} catch (IOException e) {
    System.out.println("ooops " + e.getMessage());
} (3) somehow try to load that new class, maybe using ClassLoader cl = ClassLoader.getSystemClassLoader();
cl.loadClass("MyNewClass");