Which is the simplest and least dependent AOP framework in Java?
Question
I want to use an AOP framework, but I have two constraints.
Any framework that I choose
Must be fairly independent. I plan to use this in a legacy code base, and hence cannot upgrade prospective dependencies like commons-logging-XXX.jar to commons-logging-newest.jar.
Must be fairly well documented, should not be too complex to understand and integrate.
OTHER TIPS
I like Spring + AspectJ. You can do all of your pointcut definitions in xml if you like, and you don't need to change a line of code on your legacy stuff. If you already know spring and AOP concepts, there's not much to learn.
Okay, this one doesn't fit all your requirements, but I think, it's worth a look: http://dynamicaspects.sourceforge.net/
Positives
- No dependencies except needs java 1.5 due to using the JavaAgent
- No XML markup needed and just works with POJO classes
- Tried myself and found it very easy to use (not very complex)
Negatives
- No more activly maintained afaik
- Poor documentation
- You cannot do everything a full fledged AOP framework allows you to do
I tested it out some time ago and was pretty impressed but found some glitches which I don't remember right now. Though you might give it a try.
Greetz, GHad