This specification is written for the following audiences:

This specification assumes that the reader has at least one year of practical experience in writing Java programs. Experience with embedded systems and server-environments is a plus. Application developers must be aware that the OSGi environment is significantly more dynamic than traditional desktop or server environments.

System developers require a very deep understanding of Java. At least three years of Java coding experience in a system environment is recommended. A Framework implementation will use areas of Java that are not normally encountered in traditional applications. Detailed understanding is required of class loaders, garbage collection, Java 2 security, and Java native library loading.

Architects should focus on the introduction of each subject. This introduction contains a general overview of the subject, the requirements that influenced its design, and a short description of its operation as well as the entities that are used. The introductory sections require knowledge of Java concepts like classes and interfaces, but should not require coding experience.

Most of these specifications are equally applicable to application developers and system developers.

This document is the Compendium Specification for the OSGi Compendium Release 8.1.

https://docs.osgi.org/specification/