Abstract: An object-oriented software system permits live modification of objects deployed in an execution environment. The system comprises an inspector configured to modify the attributes of deployed object, and a means for selecting and launching inspectors configured for modification of corresponding objects in the execution environment. The system is capable of real-time or live updating of objects in an application or execution environment. As objects of an application are deployed into the execution environment, such as by de-archiving corresponding object documents, a document server process may register such deployment in order to provide access to corresponding inspectors. Applicants modified in accordance with the present invention can be re-archived to maintain such modifications when re-deployed on any desired platform.