This question is based on a Java EE 6 Expression Language. This is a workflow-based platform where you can add a step in a process to initialize variables and the value is specified as an expression such as #{ x + y } as backend expression following Java EL Notation pre the webpage below:

https://docs.oracle.com/javaee/6/tutorial/doc/gjddd.html

See the snapshot below for an example of how to initialize variables in a process step.

The problem is that if we use the "dot notation" to create a map object, it doesn't work. It will actually create a basic flat variable such as a String or Number with the "dot" in the field name. What I am looking for is a method to initialize a Map Object which then can be accessed in JavaScript using JSON. All built-in MAP objects will eventually appear as JSON in the front-end application (under JavaScript). The problem is that I am unable to create a new MAP object and add or modify properties. I can only initialize flat variables like String or Number.

Is there a method to use Java Expression Language to initialize such a map object in a variable?

Update 1

I did research and looks like have a clue what to do. I can use an existing Java Bean to add a static function that will take input of string key=value, key=value... representing the map and reruns a new Map object with the type of map with wild cards such as Map <?,?>.

Now I need help to verify this approach. How to convert a string of key=value, key=value... to a map?

I'm researching this now.