Re-read configuration without restart
architecture, configuration, java, properties
Solution
Using the commons-configuration is probably the easiest way to go. Here is an example of usage. There are many other features included, like hierarchical configuration (with overriding by defaults), JDBC sources, etc.
Problem
Suppose I've got a Java application, which uses properties files as its configuration. Now I'd like to make the application re-read the configuration without restart. I'll call such configuration "refreshable". What is the easiest way to do that? Suppose I am developing an application from scratch. How should I design it to make its configuration "refreshable"?