Provides the means for dynamically plugging in support for accessing naming and directory services through the javax.naming and related packages.

This package defines the service provider interface (SPI) of the Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI). JNDI provides naming and directory functionality to applications written in the Java programming language. It is designed to be independent of any specific naming or directory service implementation. Thus a variety of services--new, emerging, and already deployed ones--can be accessed in a common way.

The JNDI SPI provides the means for creating JNDI service providers, through which JNDI applications access different naming and directory services.

Plug-in Architecture

The service provider package allows different implementations to be plugged in dynamically. These different implementations include those for the initial context, and implementations for contexts that can be reached from the initial context.

Java Object Support

The service provider package provides support for implementors of the javax.naming.Context.lookup() method and related methods to return Java objects that are natural and intuitive for the Java programmer. For example, when looking up a printer name from the directory, it is natural for you to expect to get back a printer object on which to operate.

Multiple Naming Systems (Federation)

JNDI operations allow applications to supply names that span multiple naming systems. So in the process of completing an operation, one service provider might need to interact with another service provider, for example, to pass on the operation to be continued in the next naming system. The service provider package provides support for different providers to cooperate to complete JNDI operations.

Package Specification

The JNDI SPI Specification and related documents can be found in the JNDI documentation.