Collaborative classloader system and method

Computer implemented method, system and computer program product for searching for a class in a data processing system having classloaders organized in both a classloader hierarchy and a classloader network. A computer implemented method for searching for a class in a data processing system having classloaders organized in both a classloader hierarchy and a classloader network includes receiving a request to load a class at a request receiving classloader in the classloader hierarchy. The request to load a class is forwarded to a gateway classloader in the classloader network, wherein the gateway classloader is also in the classloader hierarchy. The requested class is then searched for in the classloader network.