A method for adapting a .Net framework compliant reflection mechanism to a Java.TM. environment, wherein the reflection mechanism allows a user to discover class information and invoke data members solely at runtime. The method includes gathering reflection related metadata from a .Net assembly class of a respective .Net class that comprises the metadata. The method also includes the steps of generating an attributes class comprising at least the reflection related metadata and a plurality of conversion methods and integrating the attributes class in a Java.TM. class file of the respective .Net class, such that the reflection mechanism is capable of adapting the reflection mechanism as defined in the .Net framework to the Java.TM. environment. Also disclosed is a plurality of conversion methods. The attributes class is included in a Java.TM. class file rendered by a compiler capable of compiling a .Net class to a Java.TM. compliant programming code.