javance

Javance is a fictional open-source framework for building Java applications that emphasizes modularity and cloud-native deployment. Created as a case study in modular architecture, Javance provides a lightweight runtime, a pluggable module system, and an extension API designed to let components evolve independently while sharing a common lifecycle.

At its core, Javance consists of a runtime, a module loader, and a set of core services. Modules declare their dependencies and lifecycle hooks, and a layered class loader isolates modules while enabling cross-module communication through defined interfaces. The extension API allows third-party plugins to add functionality without modifying core code.

Key features include dependency injection, service discovery, asynchronous eventing, and configuration management. The framework supports runtime module loading and hot-reloading for development workflows, along with a minimal container that can run isolated feature modules without a full application restart. It provides a lightweight REST API for module management and a CLI for project scaffolding and testing.

Javance is maintained by a community-driven repository and released under an open-source license. Development follows semantic versioning, with contributions managed through pull requests and issue trackers. Documentation covers architecture, module development patterns, and migration guides for hypothetical versions.

Usage scenarios include microservices that share common infrastructural services, such as configuration and event bus, or modular monoliths that can evolve into distributed services. While fictional, Javance serves as a reference model for understanding modular Java architectures and the challenges of dependency management and runtime extensibility.