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Backward Compatibility Tester
A Java-based tool for testing the backward compatibility of JAR files.
Date Posted: September 9, 2003
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What is Backward Compatibility Tester?
Backward Compatibility Tester is a JavaTM-based tool for testing the backward compatibility of Java Archive (JAR) files. This tool tests whether or not the libraries are backward-compatible in terms of arguments, exceptions thrown, or any other particular. The tool can be used by companies to determine whether or not their new software development kit is compatible with the old one before selling it.
The importance of backward compatibility is also apparent in developing a J2EE application. It is often necessary to test the backward compatibility of Java libraries while developing a J2EE application. Backward Compatibility Tester can be used to quickly test a library before replacing the old library with the new one.
How does it work? Two versions of the same JAR file are compared. Different class loaders are used to load the different versions, and then each class is compared for constructor and all accessible methods. This tool will not compare any private method. It compares method accessibility, parameters, return types, and exception list. The output of the tool will be in the form of text messages stating any discrepancies between the two JAR files.
In the future, Backward Compatibility Tester will be extended to test COM components as well.
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| | About the technology author(s):
Priyansh Dixit is working as a solutions architect for the distribution sector. He works in IBM Software Labs in Bangalore, India. Mr. Priyansh received his Bachelor's Degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. Since joining IBM in 2002, he has worked extensively on EAI and B2B integration. Mr. Priyansh can be reached at dpriyans@in.ibm.com.
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