- Each of the follow methods of the Configurator now allow the

  below-named arguments to be passed as "dotted name strings"
  (e.g. "foo.bar.baz") rather than as actual implementation objects
  that must be imported:

  setup_registry
     root_factory, authentication_policy, authorization_policy,
     debug_logger, locale_negotiator, request_factory,
     renderer_globals_factory

  add_subscriber
     subscriber, iface

  derive_view
     view

  add_view
     view, for_, context, request_type, containment

  add_route()
     view, view_for, factory, for_, view_context

  scan
     package

  add_renderer
     factory

  set_forbidden_view
     view

  set_notfound_view
     view

  set_request_factory
     factory

  set_renderer_globals_factory()
     factory

  set_locale_negotiator
     negotiator

  testing_add_subscriber
     event_iface

13 files changed, 460 insertions, 182 deletions

diff --git a/CHANGES.txt b/CHANGES.txt
index 36c2afa7c..841eedd6c 100644
--- a/CHANGES.txt
+++ b/CHANGES.txt
@@ -20,6 +20,52 @@ Features
   ``repoze.bfg.request`` API chapter.  It can be used to influence
   response values before a concrete response object has been created.
 
+- Each of the follow methods of the Configurator now allow the
+  below-named arguments to be passed as "dotted name strings"
+  (e.g. "foo.bar.baz") rather than as actual implementation objects
+  that must be imported:
+
+  setup_registry
+     root_factory, authentication_policy, authorization_policy,
+     debug_logger, locale_negotiator, request_factory,
+     renderer_globals_factory
+
+  add_subscriber
+     subscriber, iface
+
+  derive_view
+     view
+
+  add_view
+     view, for_, context, request_type, containment
+
+  add_route()
+     view, view_for, factory, for_, view_context
+
+  scan
+     package
+
+  add_renderer
+     factory
+
+  set_forbidden_view
+     view
+
+  set_notfound_view
+     view
+
+  set_request_factory
+     factory
+
+  set_renderer_globals_factory()
+     factory
+
+  set_locale_negotiator
+     negotiator
+
+  testing_add_subscriber
+     event_iface
+
 Backwards Incompatibilities
 ---------------------------
 
diff --git a/TODO.txt b/TODO.txt
index c7668e496..acfad2e0c 100644
--- a/TODO.txt
+++ b/TODO.txt
@@ -63,80 +63,11 @@
 - Raise an exception when a value in response_headerlist is not a
   string or decide to encode.
 
-- These methods of Configurator should allow the arguments it receives
-  named below them to be strings:
-
-  __init__
-
-     [ ] package
-
-  setup_registry
-
-     [ ] root_factory
-     [.] authentication_policy
-     [.] authorization_policy
-     [ ] locale_negotiator
-     [ ] request_factory
-     [ ] renderer_globals_factory
-
-  add_subscriber()
-
-     [ ] subscriber
-     [ ] iface
-
-  derive_view()
-
-     [ ] view
-
-  add_view()
-
-     [ ] view
-     [ ] for_
-     [ ] request_type
-     [ ] containment
-     [ ] context
-
-  add_route()
-
-     [.] view
-     [.] view_for
-     [ ] factory
-     [.] for_
-     [.] view_context
-
-  scan()
-
-     [ ] package
-
-  add_renderer()
-
-     [ ] factory
-
-  set_forbidden_view()
-
-     [ ] view
-
-  set_notfound_view()
-
-     [ ] view
-
-  set_request_factory()
-
-     [ ] factory
-
-  set_renderer_globals_factory()
-
-     [ ] factory
-
-  set_locale_negotiator()
-
-     [ ] negotiator
-
-  testing_add_subscriber
-
-     [ ] event_iface
-
 - Make NewResponse event carry request.
 
 - Change docs so that we dont use INewReponse, but instead just
   NewResponse (likewise for INewRequest, etc).
+
+- Change "Cleaning up After a Request" in the urldispatch chapter to
+  use ``request.add_response_callback``.
+
diff --git a/docs/narr/events.rst b/docs/narr/events.rst
index 7f78139bb..6b46cfd9c 100644
--- a/docs/narr/events.rst
+++ b/docs/narr/events.rst
@@ -58,7 +58,8 @@ need to use ZCML for the same purpose:
 
    The first argument to
    :meth:`repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator.add_subscriber` is the
-   subscriber function; the second argument is the event type.
+   subscriber function (or a :term:`Python dotted name` which refers
+   to a subscriber callable); the second argument is the event type.
 
 .. topic:: Configuring an Event Listener Through ZCML
 
diff --git a/docs/narr/firstapp.rst b/docs/narr/firstapp.rst
index 01ad88704..deac69fda 100644
--- a/docs/narr/firstapp.rst
+++ b/docs/narr/firstapp.rst
@@ -235,14 +235,15 @@ arguments is known as a view configuration :term:`predicate`.
 
 The line ``config.add_view(hello_world)`` registers the
 ``hello_world`` function as a view callable.  The ``add_view`` method
-of a Configurator must be called with a view callable object as its
-first argument, so the first argument passed is the ``hello_world``
-function.  This line calls ``add_view`` with a *default* value for the
-:term:`predicate` argument, named ``name``.  The ``name`` predicate
-defaults to a value equalling the empty string (``''``).  This means
-that we're instructing :mod:`repoze.bfg` to invoke the ``hello_world``
-view callable when the :term:`view name` is the empty string.  We'll
-learn in later chapters what a :term:`view name` is, and under which
+of a Configurator must be called with a view callable object or a
+:term:`dotted Python name` as its first argument, so the first
+argument passed is the ``hello_world`` function.  This line calls
+``add_view`` with a *default* value for the :term:`predicate`
+argument, named ``name``.  The ``name`` predicate defaults to a value
+equalling the empty string (``''``).  This means that we're
+instructing :mod:`repoze.bfg` to invoke the ``hello_world`` view
+callable when the :term:`view name` is the empty string.  We'll learn
+in later chapters what a :term:`view name` is, and under which
 circumstances a request will have a view name that is the empty
 string; in this particular application, it means that the
 ``hello_world`` view callable will be invoked when the root URL ``/``
diff --git a/docs/narr/hooks.rst b/docs/narr/hooks.rst
index 70e3f3759..b774c2012 100644
--- a/docs/narr/hooks.rst
+++ b/docs/narr/hooks.rst
@@ -351,7 +351,8 @@ request object.
 The class (aka "factory") that :mod:`repoze.bfg` uses to create a
 request object instance can be changed by passing a
 ``request_factory`` argument to the constructor of the
-:term:`configurator`.
+:term:`configurator`.  This argument can be either a callable or a
+:term:`Python dotted name` representing a callable.
 
 .. code-block:: python
    :linenos:
@@ -392,7 +393,7 @@ method:
        pass
 
    config = Configurator()
-   config.set_request_factory(MyRequestFactory)
+   config.set_request_factory(MyRequest)
 
 .. _adding_renderer_globals:
 
@@ -411,7 +412,9 @@ renderer.
 
 A callback that :mod:`repoze.bfg` will call every time a renderer is
 invoked can be added by passing a ``renderer_globals_factory``
-argument to the constructor of the :term:`configurator`.
+argument to the constructor of the :term:`configurator`.  This
+callback can either be a callable object or a :term:`Python dotted
+name` representing such a callable.
 
 .. code-block:: python
    :linenos:
diff --git a/docs/narr/i18n.rst b/docs/narr/i18n.rst
index db1414cce..f456fe03c 100644
--- a/docs/narr/i18n.rst
+++ b/docs/narr/i18n.rst
@@ -1013,10 +1013,10 @@ configuration using either imperative configuration or ZCML.
 
 .. topic:: Using Imperative Configuration
 
-    Pass an object which can act as the negotiator as the
-    ``locale_negotiator`` argument of the
-    :class:`repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator` instance during
-    application startup.
+    Pass an object which can act as the negotiator (or a :term:`Python
+    dotted name` referring to the object) as the ``locale_negotiator``
+    argument of the :class:`repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator`
+    instance during application startup.
 
     For example:
 
diff --git a/docs/narr/security.rst b/docs/narr/security.rst
index 13e6d632a..3b1de27ad 100644
--- a/docs/narr/security.rst
+++ b/docs/narr/security.rst
@@ -110,6 +110,11 @@ For example:
    config = Configurator(authentication_policy=authentication_policy,
                          authorization_policy=authorization_policy)
 
+.. note:: the ``authentication_policy`` and ``authorization_policy``
+   arguments may also be passed to the Configurator as :ref:`dotted
+   Python name` values, each representing the dotted name path to a
+   suitable implementation global defined at Python module scope.
+
 The above configuration enables a policy which compares the value of
 an "auth ticket" cookie passed in the request's environment which
 contains a reference to a single :term:`principal` against the
diff --git a/docs/narr/traversal.rst b/docs/narr/traversal.rst
index a99df7ec8..bcad6dd07 100644
--- a/docs/narr/traversal.rst
+++ b/docs/narr/traversal.rst
@@ -183,7 +183,10 @@ Using the ``root_factory`` argument to a
 :class:`repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator` constructor tells your
 :mod:`repoze.bfg` application to call this root factory to generate a
 root object whenever a request enters the application.  This root
-factory is also known as the global root factory.
+factory is also known as the global root factory.  A root factory can
+alternately be passed to the ``Configurator`` as a :term:`dotted
+Python name` which refers to a root factory object defined in a
+different module.
 
 A root factory is passed a :term:`request` object and it is expected
 to return an object which represents the root of the object graph.
diff --git a/docs/narr/urldispatch.rst b/docs/narr/urldispatch.rst
index 07e96763d..9779113e5 100644
--- a/docs/narr/urldispatch.rst
+++ b/docs/narr/urldispatch.rst
@@ -448,11 +448,11 @@ represent neither predicates nor view configuration information.
   application.
 
 ``factory``
-  A reference to a Python object (often a function or a class) that
-  will generate a :mod:`repoze.bfg` :term:`context` object when this
-  route matches. For example, ``mypackage.models.MyFactoryClass``.  If
-  this argument is not specified, the traversal root factory will be
-  used.
+  A Python object (often a function or a class) or a :term:`Python
+  dotted name` to such an object that will generate a
+  :mod:`repoze.bfg` :term:`context` object when this route
+  matches. For example, ``mypackage.models.MyFactoryClass``.  If this
+  argument is not specified, the traversal root factory will be used.
 
 ``traverse``
   If you would like to cause the :term:`context` to be something other
@@ -573,15 +573,16 @@ represent neither predicates nor view configuration information.
 **View-Related Arguments**
 
 ``view``
-  A reference to a Python object that will be used as a view callable
-  when this route matches. e.g. ``mypackage.views.my_view``.
+  A Python object or a :term:`dotted Python name` to such an object
+  that will be used as a view callable when this route
+  matches. e.g. ``mypackage.views.my_view``.
   
 ``view_context``
-  A reference to a class or an :term:`interface` that the
-  :term:`context` of the view should match for the view named by the
-  route to be used.  This argument is only useful if the ``view``
-  attribute is used.  If this attribute is not specified, the default
-  (``None``) will be used.
+  A class or an :term:`interface` (or a :term:`dotted Python name` to
+  such an object) that the :term:`context` of the view should match
+  for the view named by the route to be used.  This argument is only
+  useful if the ``view`` attribute is used.  If this attribute is not
+  specified, the default (``None``) will be used.
 
   If the ``view`` argument is not provided, this argument has
   no effect.
diff --git a/docs/narr/views.rst b/docs/narr/views.rst
index eebaa63de..4d60f8a9e 100644
--- a/docs/narr/views.rst
+++ b/docs/narr/views.rst
@@ -620,7 +620,8 @@ For example, to add a renderer which renders views which have a
    The first argument is the renderer name.
 
    The second argument is a reference to an implementation of a
-   :term:`renderer factory`.
+   :term:`renderer factory` or a :term:`dotted Python name` referring
+   to such an object.
 
 Adding a New Renderer
 +++++++++++++++++++++
@@ -1537,8 +1538,8 @@ Or replaces the need to add this imperative configuration stanza:
 .. ignore-next-block
 .. code-block:: python
 
-   config.add_view(name='my_view', request_method='POST', context=MyModel,
-                   permission='read')
+   config.add_view('.views.my_view', name='my_view', request_method='POST', 
+                   context=MyModel, permission='read')
 
 All arguments to ``bfg_view`` may be omitted.  For example:
 
@@ -1748,6 +1749,12 @@ example:
    # repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator class
    config.add_view(hello_world, name='hello.html')
 
+The first argument, ``view``, is required.  It must either be a Python
+object which is the view itself or a :term:`dotted Python name` to
+such an object.  All other arguments are optional.  See
+:meth:`repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator.add_view` for more
+information.
+
 .. index::
    single: model interfaces
 
diff --git a/repoze/bfg/configuration.py b/repoze/bfg/configuration.py
index 90336fe21..4ea52c571 100644
--- a/repoze/bfg/configuration.py
+++ b/repoze/bfg/configuration.py
@@ -126,15 +126,17 @@ class Configurator(object):
     :func:`repoze.bfg.settings.get_settings` APIs.
 
     If the ``root_factory`` argument is passed, it should be an object
-    representing the default :term:`root factory` for your
-    application.  If it is ``None``, a default root factory will be
-    used.
+    representing the default :term:`root factory` for your application
+    or a :term:`dotted Python name` to same.  If it is ``None``, a
+    default root factory will be used.
 
     If ``authentication_policy`` is passed, it should be an instance
-    of an :term:`authentication policy`.
+    of an :term:`authentication policy` or a :term:`dotted Python
+    name` to same.
 
-    If ``authorization_policy`` is passed, it should be an instance
-    of an :term:`authorization policy`.
+    If ``authorization_policy`` is passed, it should be an instance of
+    an :term:`authorization policy` or a :term:`dotted Python name` to
+    same.
 
     .. note:: A ``ConfigurationError`` will be raised when an
        authorization policy is supplied without also supplying an
@@ -142,18 +144,21 @@ class Configurator(object):
 
     If ``renderers`` is passed, it should be a list of tuples
     representing a set of :term:`renderer` factories which should be
-    configured into this application.  If it is not passed, a default
-    set of renderer factories is used.
+    configured into this application (each tuple representing a set of
+    positional values that should be passed to
+    :meth:`repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator.add_renderer`).  If
+    it is not passed, a default set of renderer factories is used.
 
     If ``debug_logger`` is not passed, a default debug logger that
     logs to stderr will be used.  If it is passed, it should be an
     instance of the :class:`logging.Logger` (PEP 282) standard library
-    class.  The debug logger is used by :mod:`repoze.bfg` itself to
-    log warnings and authorization debugging information.
+    class or a :term:`dotted Python name` to same.  The debug logger
+    is used by :mod:`repoze.bfg` itself to log warnings and
+    authorization debugging information.
 
-    If ``locale_negotiator`` is passed, it should be a
-    :term:`locale negotiator` implementation.  See
-    :ref:`custom_locale_negotiator`.
+    If ``locale_negotiator`` is passed, it should be a :term:`locale
+    negotiator` implementation or a :term:`dotted Python name` to
+    same.  See :ref:`custom_locale_negotiator`.
 
     """
     manager = manager # for testing injection
@@ -201,6 +206,7 @@ class Configurator(object):
         """ Add a :term:`root factory` to the current configuration
         state.  If the ``factory`` argument is ``None`` a default root
         factory will be registered."""
+        factory = self.maybe_dotted(factory)
         if factory is None:
             factory = DefaultRootFactory
         self.registry.registerUtility(factory, IRootFactory)
@@ -209,11 +215,14 @@ class Configurator(object):
     def _set_authentication_policy(self, policy, _info=u''):
         """ Add a :mod:`repoze.bfg` :term:`authentication policy` to
         the current configuration."""
+        policy = self.maybe_dotted(policy)
         self.registry.registerUtility(policy, IAuthenticationPolicy, info=_info)
         
     def _set_authorization_policy(self, policy, _info=u''):
         """ Add a :mod:`repoze.bfg` :term:`authorization policy` to
-        the current configuration state."""
+        the current configuration state (also accepts a :term:`dotted
+        Python name`."""
+        policy = self.maybe_dotted(policy)
         self.registry.registerUtility(policy, IAuthorizationPolicy, info=_info)
 
     def _make_spec(self, path_or_spec):
@@ -230,6 +239,7 @@ class Configurator(object):
                      attr=None, renderer_name=None, wrapper_viewname=None,
                      viewname=None, accept=None, order=MAX_ORDER,
                      phash=DEFAULT_PHASH):
+        view = self.maybe_dotted(view)
         authn_policy = self.registry.queryUtility(IAuthenticationPolicy)
         authz_policy = self.registry.queryUtility(IAuthorizationPolicy)
         settings = self.registry.queryUtility(ISettings)
@@ -338,6 +348,7 @@ class Configurator(object):
         self._fix_registry()
         self._set_settings(settings)
         self._set_root_factory(root_factory)
+        debug_logger = self.maybe_dotted(debug_logger)
         if debug_logger is None:
             debug_logger = make_stream_logger('repoze.bfg.debug', sys.stderr)
         registry = self.registry
@@ -352,10 +363,13 @@ class Configurator(object):
         self.add_view(default_exceptionresponse_view,
                       context=IExceptionResponse)
         if locale_negotiator:
+            locale_negotiator = self.maybe_dotted(locale_negotiator)
             registry.registerUtility(locale_negotiator, ILocaleNegotiator)
         if request_factory:
+            request_factory = self.maybe_dotted(request_factory)
             self.set_request_factory(request_factory)
         if renderer_globals_factory:
+            renderer_globals_factory=self.maybe_dotted(renderer_globals_factory)
             self.set_renderer_globals_factory(renderer_globals_factory)
 
     # getSiteManager is a unit testing dep injection
@@ -404,8 +418,10 @@ class Configurator(object):
 
     def derive_view(self, view, attr=None, renderer=None):
         """
+        
         Create a :term:`view callable` using the function, instance,
-        or class provided as ``view`` object.
+        or class (or :term:`dotted Python name` referring to the same)
+        provided as ``view`` object.
 
         This is API is useful to framework extenders who create
         pluggable systems which need to register 'proxy' view
@@ -453,6 +469,9 @@ class Configurator(object):
           that accepts no arguments that returns a :term:`response`
           object.
 
+        - A :term:`dotted Python name` which refers to any of the
+          kinds of objects above.
+
         This API returns a callable which accepts the arguments
         ``context, request`` and which returns the result of calling
         the provided ``view`` object.
@@ -463,25 +482,30 @@ class Configurator(object):
         effectively defaults to ``__call__``.  See
         :ref:`class_as_view` for more information.
 
-        The ``renderer`` keyword argument, if supplies, causes the
-        returned callable to use a :term:`renderer` to convert the
-        user-supplied view result to a :term:`response` object.  If a
-        ``renderer`` argument is not supplied, the user-supplied view
-        must itself return a :term:`response` object.
-        """
+        The ``renderer`` keyword argument should be a renderer
+        name. If supplied, it will cause the returned callable to use
+        a :term:`renderer` to convert the user-supplied view result to
+        a :term:`response` object.  If a ``renderer`` argument is not
+        supplied, the user-supplied view must itself return a
+        :term:`response` object.  """
 
         return self._derive_view(view, attr=attr, renderer_name=renderer)
 
     def add_subscriber(self, subscriber, iface=None, info=u''):
         """Add an event :term:`subscriber` for the event stream
         implied by the supplied ``iface`` interface.  The
-        ``subscriber`` argument represents a callable object; it will
-        be called with a single object ``event`` whenever
+        ``subscriber`` argument represents a callable object (or a
+        :ref:`Python dotted name` which identifies a callable); it
+        will be called with a single object ``event`` whenever
         :mod:`repoze.bfg` emits an :term:`event` associated with the
-        ``iface``.  Using the default ``iface`` value, ``None`` will
-        cause the subscriber to be registered for all event types. See
-        :ref:`events_chapter` for more information about events and
-        subscribers."""
+        ``iface``, which may be an :term:`interface` or a class or a
+        :term:`dotted Python name` to a global object representing an
+        interface or a class.  Using the default ``iface`` value,
+        ``None`` will cause the subscriber to be registered for all
+        event types. See :ref:`events_chapter` for more information
+        about events and subscribers."""
+        dotted = self.maybe_dotted
+        subscriber, iface = dotted(subscriber), dotted(iface)
         if iface is None:
             iface = (Interface,)
         if not isinstance(iface, (tuple, list)):
@@ -592,8 +616,9 @@ class Configurator(object):
 
         view
 
-          A reference to a :term:`view callable`.  This argument is
-          required unless a ``renderer`` argument also exists.  If a
+          A :term:`view callable` or a :term:`dotted Python name`
+          which refers to a view callable.  This argument is required
+          unless a ``renderer`` argument also exists.  If a
           ``renderer`` argument is passed, and a ``view`` argument is
           not provided, the view callable defaults to a callable that
           returns an empty dictionary (see
@@ -685,8 +710,9 @@ class Configurator(object):
 
         context
 
-          An object representing Python class that the :term:`context`
-          must be an instance of, *or* the :term:`interface` that the
+          An object or a :term:`dotted Python name` referring to an
+          interface or class object that the :term:`context` must be
+          an instance of, *or* the :term:`interface` that the
           :term:`context` must provide in order for this view to be
           found and called.  This predicate is true when the
           :term:`context` is an instance of the represented class or
@@ -743,11 +769,11 @@ class Configurator(object):
 
         containment
 
-          This value should be a reference to a Python class or
-          :term:`interface` that a parent object in the
-          :term:`lineage` must provide in order for this view to be
-          found and called.  The nodes in your object graph must be
-          "location-aware" to use this feature.  See
+          This value should be a Python class or :term:`interface` or
+          a :term:`dotted Python name` to such an object that a parent
+          object in the :term:`lineage` must provide in order for this
+          view to be found and called.  The nodes in your object graph
+          must be "location-aware" to use this feature.  See
           :ref:`location_aware` for more information about
           location-awareness.
 
@@ -814,6 +840,10 @@ class Configurator(object):
 
           .. note:: This feature is new as of :mod:`repoze.bfg` 1.2.
           """
+        view = self.maybe_dotted(view)
+        context = self.maybe_dotted(context)
+        for_ = self.maybe_dotted(for_)
+        containment = self.maybe_dotted(containment)
 
         if not view:
             if renderer:
@@ -829,6 +859,7 @@ class Configurator(object):
             request_type = None
 
         if request_type is not None:
+            request_type = self.maybe_dotted(request_type)
             if not IInterface.providedBy(request_type):
                 raise ConfigurationError(
                     'request_type must be an interface, not %s' % request_type)
@@ -1014,7 +1045,8 @@ class Configurator(object):
 
         factory
 
-          A reference to a Python object (often a function or a class)
+          A Python object (often a function or a class) or a
+          :term:`dotted Python name` which refers to the same object
           that will generate a :mod:`repoze.bfg` :term:`context`
           object when this route matches. For example,
           ``mypackage.models.MyFactoryClass``.  If this argument is
@@ -1174,17 +1206,18 @@ class Configurator(object):
 
         view
 
-          A reference to a Python object that will be used as a view
-          callable when this route
+          A Python object or :term:`dotted Python name` to the same
+          object that will be used as a view callable when this route
           matches. e.g. ``mypackage.views.my_view``.
           
         view_context
 
-          A reference to a class or an :term:`interface` that the
-          :term:`context` of the view should match for the view named
-          by the route to be used.  This argument is only useful if
-          the ``view`` attribute is used.  If this attribute is not
-          specified, the default (``None``) will be used.
+          A class or an :term:`interface` or :term:`dotted Python
+          name` to the same object which the :term:`context` of the
+          view should match for the view named by the route to be
+          used.  This argument is only useful if the ``view``
+          attribute is used.  If this attribute is not specified, the
+          default (``None``) will be used.
 
           If the ``view`` argument is not provided, this argument has
           no effect.
@@ -1299,6 +1332,7 @@ class Configurator(object):
         if mapper is None:
             mapper = RoutesMapper()
             self.registry.registerUtility(mapper, IRoutesMapper)
+        factory = self.maybe_dotted(factory)
         return mapper.connect(path, name, factory, predicates=predicates)
 
     def scan(self, package=None, categories=None, _info=u''):
@@ -1307,9 +1341,10 @@ class Configurator(object):
         :class:`repoze.bfg.view.bfg_view`.  Any decorated object found
         will influence the current configuration state.
 
-        The ``package`` argument should be a reference to a Python
-        :term:`package` or module object.  If ``package`` is ``None``,
-        the package of the *caller* is used.
+        The ``package`` argument should be a Python :term:`package` or
+        module object (or a :term:`dotted Python name` which refers to
+        such a package or module).  If ``package`` is ``None``, the
+        package of the *caller* is used.
 
         The ``categories`` argument, if provided, should be the
         :term:`Venusian` 'scan categories' to use during scanning.
@@ -1328,6 +1363,7 @@ class Configurator(object):
         (e.g. ``('bfg', 'myframework')``) to limit the decorators
         called to the set of categories required.
         """
+        package = self.maybe_dotted(package)
         if package is None: # pragma: no cover
             package = caller_package()
 
@@ -1335,13 +1371,15 @@ class Configurator(object):
         scanner.scan(package, categories=categories)
 
     def add_renderer(self, name, factory, _info=u''):
-        """ Add a :mod:`repoze.bfg` :term:`renderer` factory to the current
-        configuration state.
+        """
+        Add a :mod:`repoze.bfg` :term:`renderer` factory to the
+        current configuration state.
 
         The ``name`` argument is the renderer name.
 
         The ``factory`` argument is Python reference to an
-        implementation of a :term:`renderer` factory.
+        implementation of a :term:`renderer` factory or a
+        :term:`dotted Python name` to same.
 
         Note that this function must be called *before* any
         ``add_view`` invocation that names the renderer name as an
@@ -1350,6 +1388,7 @@ class Configurator(object):
         in the sequence of renderers passed as ``renderer`` than it is
         to use this method.
         """
+        factory = self.maybe_dotted(factory)
         self.registry.registerUtility(
             factory, IRendererFactory, name=name, info=_info)
 
@@ -1423,7 +1462,8 @@ class Configurator(object):
            be found.  The exception causing the registered view to be
            called is however still available as ``request.exception``.
 
-        The ``view`` argument should be a :term:`view callable`.
+        The ``view`` argument should be a :term:`view callable` or a
+        :term:`dotted Python name` which refers to a view callable.
 
         The ``attr`` argument should be the attribute of the view
         callable used to retrieve the response (see the ``add_view``
@@ -1468,7 +1508,8 @@ class Configurator(object):
            be found.  The exception causing the registered view to be
            called is however still available as ``request.exception``.
 
-        The ``view`` argument should be a :term:`view callable`.
+        The ``view`` argument should be a :term:`view callable` or a
+        :term:`dotted Python name` which refers to a view callable.
 
         The ``attr`` argument should be the attribute of the view
         callable used to retrieve the response (see the ``add_view``
@@ -1493,31 +1534,36 @@ class Configurator(object):
                              wrapper=wrapper, _info=_info)
 
     def set_request_factory(self, factory):
-        """ The object passed as ``factory`` will be used by the
-        :mod:`repoze.bfg` router to create all request objects.
-        This factory object must have the same methods and attributes
-        as the :class:`repoze.bfg.request.Request` class (particularly
-        ``__call__`` and ``blank``).
+        """ The object passed as ``factory`` should be an object (or a
+        :term:`dotted Python name` which refers to an object) which
+        will be used by the :mod:`repoze.bfg` router to create all
+        request objects.  This factory object must have the same
+        methods and attributes as the
+        :class:`repoze.bfg.request.Request` class (particularly
+        ``__call__``, and ``blank``).
 
         .. note:: Using the :meth:``request_factory`` argument to the
            :class:`repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator` constructor
            can be used to achieve the same purpose.
         """
+        factory = self.maybe_dotted(factory)
         self.registry.registerUtility(factory, IRequestFactory)
 
     def set_renderer_globals_factory(self, factory):
-        """ The object passed as ``factory`` will be used by the
-        :mod:`repoze.bfg` rendering machinery as a renderers global
-        factory (see :ref:`adding_renderer_globals`).  The factory
-        must return a dictionary of items that will be merged intto
-        the *system* dictionary passed in to every renderer used by
-        the application.
+        """ The object passed as ``factory`` should be an object (or a
+        :term:`dotted Python name` which refers to an object) that
+        will be used by the :mod:`repoze.bfg` rendering machinery as a
+        renderers global factory (see :ref:`adding_renderer_globals`).
+        The factory must return a dictionary of items that will be
+        merged intto the *system* dictionary passed in to every
+        renderer used by the application.
 
         .. note:: Using the :meth:`renderer_globals_factory`
            argument to the
            :class:`repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator` constructor
            can be used to achieve the same purpose.
         """
+        factory = self.maybe_dotted(factory)
         self.registry.registerUtility(factory, IRendererGlobalsFactory)
 
     def set_locale_negotiator(self, negotiator):
@@ -1525,10 +1571,14 @@ class Configurator(object):
         Set the :term:`locale negotiator` for this application.  The
         :term:`locale negotiator` is a callable which accepts a
         :term:`request` object and which returns a :term:`locale
-        name`.  Later calls to this method override earlier calls;
-        there can be only one locale negotiator active at a time
-        within an application.  See :ref:`activating_translation` for
-        more information.
+        name`.  The ``negotiator`` argument should be the locale
+        negotiator implementation or a :term:`dotted Python` name
+        which refers to such an implementation.
+
+        Later calls to this method override earlier calls; there can
+        be only one locale negotiator active at a time within an
+        application.  See :ref:`activating_translation` for more
+        information.
 
         .. note:  This API is new as of :mod:`repoze.bfg` version 1.3.
 
@@ -1536,6 +1586,7 @@ class Configurator(object):
            the :class:`repoze.bfg.configuration.Configurator`
            constructor can be used to achieve the same purpose.
         """
+        negotiator = self.maybe_dotted(negotiator)
         self.registry.registerUtility(negotiator, ILocaleNegotiator)
 
     def add_translation_dirs(self, *specs):
@@ -1762,6 +1813,7 @@ class Configurator(object):
         The default value of ``event_iface`` (``None``) implies a
         subscriber registered for *any* kind of event.
         """
+        event_iface = self.maybe_dotted(event_iface)
         L = []
         def subscriber(*event):
             L.extend(event)
diff --git a/repoze/bfg/tests/test_configuration.py b/repoze/bfg/tests/test_configuration.py
index 159429a06..be9cd942c 100644
--- a/repoze/bfg/tests/test_configuration.py
+++ b/repoze/bfg/tests/test_configuration.py
@@ -306,6 +306,16 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         result = reg.getUtility(IDebugLogger)
         self.assertEqual(logger, result)
 
+    def test_setup_registry_debug_logger_dottedname(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IDebugLogger
+        reg = Registry()
+        config = self._makeOne(reg)
+        config.setup_registry(debug_logger='repoze.bfg.tests')
+        result = reg.getUtility(IDebugLogger)
+        import repoze.bfg.tests
+        self.assertEqual(result, repoze.bfg.tests)
+
     def test_setup_registry_authentication_policy(self):
         from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
         from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IAuthenticationPolicy
@@ -316,6 +326,28 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         result = reg.getUtility(IAuthenticationPolicy)
         self.assertEqual(policy, result)
 
+    def test_setup_registry_authentication_policy_dottedname(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IAuthenticationPolicy
+        reg = Registry()
+        config = self._makeOne(reg)
+        config.setup_registry(authentication_policy='repoze.bfg.tests')
+        result = reg.getUtility(IAuthenticationPolicy)
+        import repoze.bfg.tests
+        self.assertEqual(result, repoze.bfg.tests)
+
+    def test_setup_registry_authorization_policy_dottedname(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IAuthorizationPolicy
+        reg = Registry()
+        config = self._makeOne(reg)
+        dummy = object()
+        config.setup_registry(authentication_policy=dummy,
+                              authorization_policy='repoze.bfg.tests')
+        result = reg.getUtility(IAuthorizationPolicy)
+        import repoze.bfg.tests
+        self.assertEqual(result, repoze.bfg.tests)
+
     def test_setup_registry_authorization_policy_only(self):
         from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
         from repoze.bfg.exceptions import ConfigurationError
@@ -334,6 +366,25 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         config.setup_registry()
         self.failUnless(reg.getUtility(IRootFactory))
 
+    def test_setup_registry_dottedname_root_factory(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRootFactory
+        reg = Registry()
+        config = self._makeOne(reg)
+        import repoze.bfg.tests
+        config.setup_registry(root_factory='repoze.bfg.tests')
+        self.assertEqual(reg.getUtility(IRootFactory), repoze.bfg.tests)
+
+    def test_setup_registry_locale_negotiator_dottedname(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import ILocaleNegotiator
+        reg = Registry()
+        config = self._makeOne(reg)
+        import repoze.bfg.tests
+        config.setup_registry(locale_negotiator='repoze.bfg.tests')
+        utility = reg.getUtility(ILocaleNegotiator)
+        self.assertEqual(utility, repoze.bfg.tests)
+
     def test_setup_registry_locale_negotiator(self):
         from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
         from repoze.bfg.interfaces import ILocaleNegotiator
@@ -354,6 +405,16 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         utility = reg.getUtility(IRequestFactory)
         self.assertEqual(utility, factory)
 
+    def test_setup_registry_request_factory_dottedname(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRequestFactory
+        reg = Registry()
+        config = self._makeOne(reg)
+        import repoze.bfg.tests
+        config.setup_registry(request_factory='repoze.bfg.tests')
+        utility = reg.getUtility(IRequestFactory)
+        self.assertEqual(utility, repoze.bfg.tests)
+
     def test_setup_registry_renderer_globals_factory(self):
         from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
         from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRendererGlobalsFactory
@@ -364,6 +425,16 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         utility = reg.getUtility(IRendererGlobalsFactory)
         self.assertEqual(utility, factory)
 
+    def test_setup_registry_renderer_globals_factory_dottedname(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRendererGlobalsFactory
+        reg = Registry()
+        config = self._makeOne(reg)
+        import repoze.bfg.tests
+        config.setup_registry(renderer_globals_factory='repoze.bfg.tests')
+        utility = reg.getUtility(IRendererGlobalsFactory)
+        self.assertEqual(utility, repoze.bfg.tests)
+
     def test_setup_registry_alternate_renderers(self):
         from repoze.bfg.registry import Registry
         from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRendererFactory
@@ -445,6 +516,18 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         config.registry.notify(object())
         self.assertEqual(len(L), 1)
 
+    def test_add_subscriber_dottednames(self):
+        import repoze.bfg.tests
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import INewRequest
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.add_subscriber('repoze.bfg.tests',
+                              'repoze.bfg.interfaces.INewRequest')
+        handlers = list(config.registry.registeredHandlers())
+        self.assertEqual(len(handlers), 1)
+        handler = handlers[0]
+        self.assertEqual(handler.handler, repoze.bfg.tests)
+        self.assertEqual(handler.required, (INewRequest,))
+
     def test_add_object_event_subscriber(self):
         from zope.interface import implements
         from zope.interface import Interface
@@ -538,7 +621,7 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertRaises(ConfigurationError, config.add_view, view, '', None,
                           None, True, True)
 
-    def test_add_view_with_request_type_string(self):
+    def test_add_view_with_request_type_methodname_string(self):
         view = lambda *arg: 'OK'
         config = self._makeOne()
         config.add_view(view=view, request_type='GET')
@@ -551,6 +634,20 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         result = wrapper(None, request)
         self.assertEqual(result, 'OK')
 
+    def test_add_view_with_request_type(self):
+        from zope.interface import directlyProvides
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRequest
+        view = lambda *arg: 'OK'
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.add_view(view=view,
+                        request_type='repoze.bfg.interfaces.IRequest')
+        wrapper = self._getViewCallable(config)
+        request = DummyRequest()
+        self._assertNotFound(wrapper, None, request)
+        directlyProvides(request, IRequest)
+        result = wrapper(None, request)
+        self.assertEqual(result, 'OK')
+
     def test_add_view_view_callable_None_with_renderer(self):
         config = self._makeOne()
         self._registerRenderer(config, name='dummy')
@@ -568,6 +665,12 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(wrapper.__name__, view.__name__)
         self.assertEqual(wrapper.__doc__, view.__doc__)
 
+    def test_add_view_view_callable_dottedname(self):
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.add_view(view='repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.dummy_view')
+        wrapper = self._getViewCallable(config)
+        self.assertEqual(wrapper(None, None), 'OK')
+
     def test_add_view_with_function_callable(self):
         view = lambda *arg: 'OK'
         config = self._makeOne()
@@ -654,6 +757,22 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         wrapper = self._getViewCallable(config, IDummy)
         self.assertEqual(wrapper, view)
 
+    def test_add_view_context_as_dottedname(self):
+        view = lambda *arg: 'OK'
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.add_view(context='repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.IDummy',
+                        view=view)
+        wrapper = self._getViewCallable(config, IDummy)
+        self.assertEqual(wrapper, view)
+
+    def test_add_view_for__as_dottedname(self):
+        view = lambda *arg: 'OK'
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.add_view(for_='repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.IDummy',
+                        view=view)
+        wrapper = self._getViewCallable(config, IDummy)
+        self.assertEqual(wrapper, view)
+
     def test_add_view_for_as_class(self):
         # ``for_`` is older spelling for ``context``
         from zope.interface import implementedBy
@@ -1487,6 +1606,18 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         context = DummyContext()
         self._assertNotFound(wrapper, context, None)
 
+    def test_add_view_with_containment_dottedname(self):
+        from zope.interface import directlyProvides
+        view = lambda *arg: 'OK'
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.add_view(
+            view=view,
+            containment='repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.IDummy')
+        wrapper = self._getViewCallable(config)
+        context = DummyContext()
+        directlyProvides(context, IDummy)
+        self.assertEqual(wrapper(context, None), 'OK')
+
     def test_add_view_with_path_info_badregex(self):
         from repoze.bfg.exceptions import ConfigurationError
         view = lambda *arg: 'OK'
@@ -1590,6 +1721,19 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self._assertRoute(config, 'name', 'path')
         self.assertEqual(route.name, 'name')
 
+    def test_add_route_with_factory(self):
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        factory = object()
+        route = config.add_route('name', 'path', factory=factory)
+        self.assertEqual(route.factory, factory)
+
+    def test_add_route_with_factory_dottedname(self):
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        route = config.add_route(
+            'name', 'path',
+            factory='repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.dummyfactory')
+        self.assertEqual(route.factory, dummyfactory)
+
     def test_add_route_with_xhr(self):
         config = self._makeOne()
         config.add_route('name', 'path', xhr=True)
@@ -1942,6 +2086,14 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(config.registry.getUtility(ILocaleNegotiator),
                          negotiator)
 
+    def test_set_locale_negotiator_dottedname(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import ILocaleNegotiator
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.set_locale_negotiator(
+            'repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.dummyfactory')
+        self.assertEqual(config.registry.getUtility(ILocaleNegotiator),
+                         dummyfactory)
+
     def test_set_request_factory(self):
         from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRequestFactory
         config = self._makeOne()
@@ -1949,6 +2101,30 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         config.set_request_factory(factory)
         self.assertEqual(config.registry.getUtility(IRequestFactory), factory)
 
+    def test_set_request_factory_dottedname(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRequestFactory
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.set_request_factory(
+            'repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.dummyfactory')
+        self.assertEqual(config.registry.getUtility(IRequestFactory),
+                         dummyfactory)
+
+    def test_set_renderer_globals_factory(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRendererGlobalsFactory
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        factory = object()
+        config.set_renderer_globals_factory(factory)
+        self.assertEqual(config.registry.getUtility(IRendererGlobalsFactory),
+                         factory)
+
+    def test_set_renderer_globals_factory_dottedname(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRendererGlobalsFactory
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.set_renderer_globals_factory(
+            'repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.dummyfactory')
+        self.assertEqual(config.registry.getUtility(IRendererGlobalsFactory),
+                         dummyfactory)
+
     def test_add_translation_dirs_missing_dir(self):
         from repoze.bfg.exceptions import ConfigurationError
         config = self._makeOne()
@@ -1997,6 +2173,13 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.failIf(result is view)
         self.assertEqual(result(None, None), 'OK')
 
+    def test_derive_view_dottedname(self):
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        result = config.derive_view(
+            'repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.dummy_view')
+        self.failIf(result is dummy_view)
+        self.assertEqual(result(None, None), 'OK')
+
     def test_derive_view_with_renderer(self):
         def view(request):
             return 'OK'
@@ -2367,6 +2550,14 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(config.registry.getUtility(IRendererFactory, 'name'),
                          renderer)
 
+    def test_add_renderer_dottedname_factory(self):
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRendererFactory
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        import repoze.bfg.tests
+        config.add_renderer('name', 'repoze.bfg.tests')
+        self.assertEqual(config.registry.getUtility(IRendererFactory, 'name'),
+                         repoze.bfg.tests)
+
     def test_scan_integration(self):
         from zope.interface import alsoProvides
         from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRequest
@@ -2466,6 +2657,22 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         result = render_view_to_response(ctx, req, 'pod_notinit')
         self.assertEqual(result, None)
 
+    def test_scan_integration_dottedname_package(self):
+        from zope.interface import alsoProvides
+        from repoze.bfg.interfaces import IRequest
+        from repoze.bfg.view import render_view_to_response
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        config.scan('repoze.bfg.tests.grokkedapp')
+
+        ctx = DummyContext()
+        req = DummyRequest()
+        alsoProvides(req, IRequest)
+        req.registry = config.registry
+
+        req.method = 'GET'
+        result = render_view_to_response(ctx, req, '')
+        self.assertEqual(result, 'grokked')
+
     def test_testing_securitypolicy(self):
         from repoze.bfg.testing import DummySecurityPolicy
         config = self._makeOne()
@@ -2520,6 +2727,17 @@ class ConfiguratorTests(unittest.TestCase):
         config.registry.notify(object())
         self.assertEqual(len(L), 1)
 
+    def test_testing_add_subscriber_dottedname(self):
+        config = self._makeOne()
+        L = config.testing_add_subscriber(
+            'repoze.bfg.tests.test_configuration.IDummy')
+        event = DummyEvent()
+        config.registry.notify(event)
+        self.assertEqual(len(L), 1)
+        self.assertEqual(L[0], event)
+        config.registry.notify(object())
+        self.assertEqual(len(L), 1)
+
     def test_testing_add_subscriber_multiple(self):
         config = self._makeOne()
         L = config.testing_add_subscriber((Interface, IDummy))
@@ -3999,3 +4217,8 @@ class DummyStaticURLInfo:
     def add(self, name, spec, **kw):
         self.added.append((name, spec, kw))
         
+def dummy_view(request):
+    return 'OK'
+
+def dummyfactory(request):
+    """ """
diff --git a/repoze/bfg/view.py b/repoze/bfg/view.py
index 0273c1e72..2a154df87 100644
--- a/repoze/bfg/view.py
+++ b/repoze/bfg/view.py
@@ -200,9 +200,11 @@ class bfg_view(object):
     ``request_param``, ``containment``, ``xhr``, ``accept``,
     ``header`` and ``path_info``.
 
-    If ``context`` is not supplied, the interface
-    ``zope.interface.Interface`` (matching any context) is used.  An alias
-    for ``context`` is ``for_``.
+    ``context`` should be a Python object or :term:`dotted Python
+    name` representing the context type that must be found for this
+    view to be called.  If ``context`` is not supplied, the interface
+    ``zope.interface.Interface`` (matching any context) is used.  An
+    alias for ``context`` is ``for_``.
 
     If ``permission`` is not supplied, no permission is registered for
     this view (it's accessible by any caller).
@@ -248,12 +250,15 @@ class bfg_view(object):
     right hand side of the expression (``123``) for the view to "match" the
     current request.
 
-    If ``containment`` is not supplied, this view will be called when
-    the context of the request has any (or no) :term:`lineage`.  If
-    ``containment`` *is* supplied, it must be a class or
-    :term:`interface`, denoting that the view 'matches' the current
-    request only if any graph :term:`lineage` node possesses this
-    class or interface.
+    ``containment`` should be a Python object or :term:`dotted Python
+    name` representing a class or interface type which must be found
+    as one of the context's location parents for this view to be
+    called.  If ``containment`` is not supplied, this view will be
+    called when the context of the request has any (or no)
+    :term:`lineage`.  If ``containment`` *is* supplied, it must be a
+    class or :term:`interface`, denoting that the view'matches' the
+    current request only if any graph :term:`lineage` node possesses
+    this class or interface.
 
     If ``xhr`` is specified, it must be a boolean value.  If the value
     is ``True``, the view will only be invoked if the request's