FindClass() in ClassLoader, when is it called?

Question

Hey all,
In the ClassLoader API, it says using the delegation model the JVM will always search parent classloaders first, then use the implementing classloader instance findClass() method. I am not sure that is correct or not. I declared my own classloader, extending URLClassLoader. In my findClass() method, I am able to try to look for a class instance in my cache first, then call the super.findClass(className). Am I doing this right? Or is it already calling the super.findClass(className) before my findClass override method gets called?
I would like for it to call my method first, then if I don't find it in my cache (or in my paths), call the parent classloaders to look for the class. If not found there, then I try to create it, or throw the ClassNotFoundException.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi all,
Does the findClass() method of a class loader get called BEFORE calling the parent classloaders to search for a file? In the API, it says it looks at parent classloaders first. I am wondering if in my findClass() implementation if I need bother with calling the super.findClass() method if the parent classloaders are already called before my findClass() is called. I was hoping to avoid wasting the time of searching in parent classloaders and first look in my classloaders cache for a class instance, then look through parent loaders if its not found. Is there any way to do this?
Thanks.