The Avalon framework consists of interfaces that define relationships between commonly used application components, best-of-practice pattern enforcements, and several lightweight convenience implementations of the generic components.

If that sounds a bit abstract to you, we suggest you start by reading the guide (see below). If you want to see the code first, either Download it or get it from CVS. The Getting started document provides more pointers.

The Avalon Framework is based on several important programming concepts (design patterns and COP) which are applied throughout Avalon. This documentation first introduces each of these, providing links to external sources for more elaborate documentation. Then, we look at how these concepts are used within Avalon.

This is more a theoretical introduction than a hands-on guide. If you prefer looking at code while learning, try our Developing with Avalon paper.

Besides the Javadocs, we have Class diagrams and the The Lifecycle specification.