Java Class File Editor

Open a Java class file binary to view or edit strings, attributes, methods and generate readable reports similar to the javap utility. In built verifier checks changes before saving the file. Easy to use Java Swing GUI.

This is a tool to open Java class file binaries, view their internal structure, modify portions of it if required and save the class file back. It also generates readable reports similar to the javap utility. Easy to use Java Swing GUI. The user interface tries to display as much detail as possible and tries to present a structure as close as the actual Java class file structure. At the same time ease of use and class file consistency while doing modifications is also stressed. For example, when a method is deleted, the associated constant pool entry will also be deleted if it is no longer referenced. In built verifier checks changes before saving the file. This tool has been used by people learning Java class file internals. This tool has also been used to do quick modifications in class files when the source code is not available.

Some broad level requirements that this tool is based on are: 

• Intuitive Graphical User Interface: The user interface should be clean and intuitive. Screens should not be crowded. Components like tab panels should be used wherever appropriate to reduce screen clutter.
• Clear separation for the Novice and Power User: The features should be so arranged that the novice user can reach the required option easily, while all features are available for the power user deeper down the screen hierarchy.
• Cascading changes: The core engine should be able to detect cascading changes if any and confirm all changes before proceeding.
• Consistency check: Consistency check should be provided. Providing this check at all stages might not be feasible. To handle such cases the user should be given control to do this check optionally.
• Facility to switch off consistency check: Why on earth would somebody want this? Well, to test the Java Virtual Machine itself, to see how well it stands up to errors in the class file. The Java compiler would never produce an invalid class file. This is probably the only way to do it.
• Creating fresh classes: It should be possible to create classes out of scratch using this tool. This will serve as a useful tool for learning the Java Virtual Machine instructions.
• Facility to examine compiler specific attributes: Some compilers put attributes specific to their product to facilitate debugging and other product specific features. For example, the compiler might embed an entry to the source file browser file or may be a line number attribute in the class method descriptions. This utility should be able to detect, display and manipulate such features wherever possible.