Maven
Our preferred distribution mechanism is via our maven repository. You can add this repository to your pom using the following maven xml fragment:

<repository>
	<id>obix-labs repository</id>
	<url>http://www.obix-labs.com/artifactory/obix-libs-releases</url>
</repository>

The xconfig dependency can be specified in your pom as follows:

<dependency>
	<groupId>com.obixlabs</groupId>
	<artifactId>xconfig</artifactId>
</dependency>

Binary Downloads
Alternatively, you can download one of the following pre-built archives which also contains the direct dependencies of the library.

• Version 1.0.1
  • ZIP
  • TAR, GZ
  • XML Schema
  • XML DTD
• Version 1.0.0
  • ZIP
  • TAR, GZ

XConfig is the lightweight successor to the obix configuration framework. It is a software configuration library that not only allows you to configure your applications via simple annotations, but which is also capable of dynamically picking up changes to configuration files, thus removing the need to reboot applications each time their underlying configurations change. Unlike its predecessor, it is closely integrated with the Spring framework; and this integration is achieved without sacrificing its compatibility with J2EE environments.

The importance of software configuration cannot be overstated. It enables us to quickly change the behaviour of software without resorting to code changes. Whilst the Java™ J2SE SDK provides standard mechanisms, such as properties files and resource bundles, to enable the configuration of software, these lack a number of features which are required for today's dynamic and complex business environments. This void also exists in IoC frameworks, which support configuration via simple dependency injection and property-file post-processing.

XConfig goes several steps better than existing schemes by providing simple and intuitive means, of encoding rich configuration data in XML, and of accessing such data from Java™ applications. Access can either be via a simple API or annotations, thus preventing unnecessary intrusion into application code. Among the powerful, and yet simple, features provided by XConfig to simplify the representation, and use of configuration information are the following:

• Automatic and real-time change detection, and auto-reload of configuration data: This removes the need to reboot your application when making configuration changes.
• Annotations-based integration into Spring™ applications: This removes the need to explicitly invoke XConfig API in your code.For non-spring applications, XConfig provides a simple API, which ensures that it does not intrude into your application code unnecessarily.
• Modularization of configuration data: This includes the ability to create a single configuration tree by importing other independent configuration documents into a single node.
• Simple plug-in/extension mechanisms and points: These enable application developers to tap into its strengths and to customize application startup and initialization sequence.

• Externalize configuration: Consolidate your application's configuration into a common format, which is easy for developers, administrators and support staff to work with. The consolidated configuration can then be externalized from the application. The modular configuration support also means that it is possible for the various parties involved in the development , deployment and administration of software to maintain their own copies of configuration modules specific to their role if necessary.
• Hot reload: In today's business environments, high-availability is a key goal. XConfig picks up changes to configuration data in real-time, thus removing the need to stop or re-deploy an application when its configuration changes.
• Multi-protocol support: Our aim is to ensure that you store configuration in the way that suits you. As such, XConfig can either read configuration from a URL, the filesystem or the application classpath.
• Ease of Use: The Obix philosophy is to always provide a clean and easy to use API, backed by solid documentation and examples.
• Support: We are committed to our products and we seek to provide all our users with support, regardless of their size. We provide a variety of support channels and will endeavour to resolve all issues and questions in a timely manner.
• Completely free and open source:We are passionate believers in innovation through openness and collaboration. Consequently, Epsilon, like all our other products is completely free to download and use.