Top Architect
Nov 23, 2023 · Backend Development
Understanding Java Class Loading Mechanism and Tomcat’s ClassLoader Design
This article explains the Java class loading mechanism, the parent‑delegation model, how it can be broken, and then details Tomcat’s custom classloader hierarchy—including CommonClassLoader, CatalinaClassLoader, SharedClassLoader, and WebappClassLoader—showing why Tomcat deviates from the standard delegation model.
Class LoadingJavaParent Delegation
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