MethodHandle Introspection in Java

Explore the intricacies of MethodHandle introspection in this 30-minute Java conference talk presented by Dan Heidinga. Dive into the implementation options for Lambda (JSR 335), examine the Lambda metafactory bootstrap method, and understand memory usage through an Eclipse plugin directory example. Discover why Method Handles are considered a black box and learn about introspection examples, including creating an introspector and roundtripping through it. Analyze introspection limitations, implementation details, and security implications. Gain insights into behavioral equivalence and implementation restrictions. This talk provides a comprehensive overview of MethodHandle introspection, offering valuable knowledge for Java developers seeking to enhance their understanding of this complex topic.

Intro
Standard disclaimer
Lambda (JSR 335) implementation options
Lambda metafactory bootstrap method
Memory use example: Eclipse plugin directory
Lambda metalactory bootstrap method
Why are Method Handles a black box?
Introspection examples
Creating an introspector
Roundtripping through the introspector
Introspection limitations
Introspection implementation
Why not full reflection?
Security implications
Behavioral equivalence
Implementation restrictions
Conclusion