getClassloader returns null instead of the bootstrap classloader

Question

As it is known, classes from rt.jar library are loaded via Bootstrap Classloader. java.lang is a part of rt.jar library.

However, this sample

System.out.println(ArrayList.class.getClassLoader());

prints null instead of something like BootstrapClassLoader.

Also, I know that BootstrapClassLoader is not written in Java. Can it be the reason? And how can I make sure that the class is loaded by BootstrapCL?

LppEdd · Accepted Answer · 2019-02-28 19:03:24Z

2

Class#getClassLoader

The documentation explicitly warns you about this case.

Returns the class loader for the class.
Some implementations may use null to represent the bootstrap class loader.

Remember to always give a look at the associated JavaDoc. That is valid for everything and it might be a lifesaver sometimes.

answered Feb 28, 2019 at 19:03

LppEdd

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