Java EE (Java Enterprise Edition) General Discussion

Hi,
In my BMP, i am doing some validation using Reflection API.

I want to know whether Reflection API put some extra burden on EJB.

Also i am confused how exactly reflection is carried out.

In general i know that it Introspects class and gives all information about class. BUT exactly in what manner.
I have info of how i can use reflection, Like I can get Class , get Object , get Method , Invoke Method , Field , set or get field values etc.

But what i am confused about its cost.
Why reflection API is costly?

So please tell me exact procedure followed OR exact Algorithm used inside Reflection API.

So that I can compare
method call on object without reflection
VS
method call usinf invoke() method on Method class using reflection API.

Thanks,
Viren.