title: Check if class exists in Java classpath without running its static initializer?
body: <p>If I use</p>
  
  <pre><code>   try {
        Class.forName("my.package.Foo");
        // it exists on the classpath
     } catch(ClassNotFoundException e) {
        // it does not exist on the classpath
     }
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>the static initializer block of "Foo" is kicked off. Is there a way to determine whether a class "my.package.Foo" is on the classpath without kicking off its static initializer?</p>