A Java-based application server, which supports multiple component models, includes a classloading module to enforce dependencies among classes and among the components that uses the classes. The classloading module determines whether a classloader created at deployment can share a version of a class with other classloaders. The classloading module also uses dependency information to determine which of the other classloaders on which the classloader depends. The classloading module uses pluggable classloading policies to determine the rules to be followed during classloading operations. The same state machine is used for classloading and for controlling the lifecycle of multiple component modules. The classloading module also utilizes abstraction of interfaces to communicate requirements and capabilities among the classloaders and with the system.