Summary

Introduce more accurate parsing of descriptor strings in core reflection.

Problem

Using generic string parser to parse descriptor strings is inaccurate; it may accidentally accept generic strings. In addition, we aim to remove this legacy generic string parser, known to be erroneous sometimes, in the future to reduce maintenance cost around evolution of signatures.

Such legacy parser usage occurs for the EnclosingMethods attribute and the annotation structures in the class file format.

Solution

We can simply reuse BytecodeDescriptor since it is behaviorally compatible, including exceptional contracts. Migrating to BytecodeDescriptor would also align JDK's handling of the descriptor strings closer to that by other tools or consumers of class files.

Specification

None. This is a purely implementation/behavioral change.