Reflective Middleware

To solve this problem, recent research in reflective middleware8 uses techniques derived from previous work in computational reflection to add flexibility to middleware. Reflective middleware exploits Gregory Kiczales’ meta-object protocol, combining the ideas of computational reflection and object orientation.9 His model distinguishes between base-level objects (concerning the systems’ functional aspects) and metalevel objects (concerning aspects such as policies, mechanisms, or strategies). The base level of reflective middleware addresses the application program’s functionality, while the metalevel designates collections of components that form the internal architecture of the middleware platform. Reflection allows the inspection and modification of these objects, enabling changes in the middleware’s behavior.