I am deep into a project that reads in a data file, massages it, and writes out reports in various formats(spreadsheets, SVG chart, PDF, etc.). It currently uses plug-ins for the data massaging and for the various output formats. These plug-ins are JAR files that are loaded via a standard class loader.
Which plug-in to use when is determined by command-line switches. The code examines them and then loads, let's say, the PDF plugin. Because this is all done in code, it casts the plug-in location process into stone. I am about to externalize this step, by using an XML config file. (PDF output? Look up in the config file which plug-in JAR to use). This way, I can add new plugins and capabilities without having to change the code. Before I make this change, I am beginning to wonder whether HiveMind would make better sense here. If so, what would it bring me that I don't get by using a simple XML config file? My sense is that HiveMind is probably overkill for what I need. But I would appreciate some thoughts from users before I commit to lots of time on the learning curve (rewarding as that might be ;-) to solve this specific problem. Many thanks in advance. ---mr. bean -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Newbie-question%3A-Is-Hivemind-well-suited-for-this-task--tp15450983p15450983.html Sent from the Hivemind - User mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
