Refer to class outside jar/war file

Question

Is it possible that we keep our jar/war file running and one class file in the same directory which can be referred from jar/war? The requirement is I want to keep some common code in single file which can be referred by multiple running jars/wars and I don't have to re-deploy application if I can successfully just change the class file.

Answer 1

I would go for this question here: How should I load Jars dynamically at runtime?

And them try the answers from jodonnell , chris and allain-lalonde depending on how do you want to access these class files, if by URL or by file path, and if you want to use JAR files or CLASS files.

In any case you should try and see it for yourself if it fits your needs and is acceptable by your employer standards. At certain point, we need to think out of the box. Don't worry if one or other user dislikes this or that approach. This community if meant for ask and receive answers on how to do it, and not to not do it.