View Javadoc
1   /**
2    * Redistribution and use of this software and associated documentation
3    * ("Software"), with or without modification, are permitted provided
4    * that the following conditions are met:
5    *
6    * 1. Redistributions of source code must retain copyright
7    *    statements and notices.  Redistributions must also contain a
8    *    copy of this document.
9    *
10   * 2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the
11   *    above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the
12   *    following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other
13   *    materials provided with the distribution.
14   *
15   * 3. The name "Exolab" must not be used to endorse or promote
16   *    products derived from this Software without prior written
17   *    permission of Intalio, Inc.  For written permission,
18   *    please contact info@exolab.org.
19   *
20   * 4. Products derived from this Software may not be called "Exolab"
21   *    nor may "Exolab" appear in their names without prior written
22   *    permission of Intalio, Inc. Exolab is a registered
23   *    trademark of Intalio, Inc.
24   *
25   * 5. Due credit should be given to the Exolab Project
26   *    (http://www.exolab.org/).
27   *
28   * THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY INTALIO, INC. AND CONTRIBUTORS
29   * ``AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT
30   * NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
31   * FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED.  IN NO EVENT SHALL
32   * INTALIO, INC. OR ITS CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,
33   * INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
34   * (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR
35   * SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION)
36   * HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT,
37   * STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
38   * ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED
39   * OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
40   *
41   * Copyright 1999 (C) Intalio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
42   *
43   * $Id$
44   */
45  
46  package org.exolab.castor.mapping;
47  
48  /**
49   * A field handler knows how to perform various operations on the field that
50   * require access to the field value.
51   * 
52   * @author <a href="arkin@intalio.com">Assaf Arkin</a>
53   * @version $Revision$ $Date: 2003-03-03 00:05:44 -0700 (Mon, 03 Mar
54   *          2003) $
55   * @see FieldDescriptor
56   */
57  public interface FieldHandler<T> {
58     
59     /**
60      * Returns the value of the field from the object.
61      * 
62      * @param object
63      *           The object
64      * @return The value of the field
65      * @throws IllegalStateException
66      *            The Java object has changed and is no longer supported by this
67      *            handler, or the handler is not compatible with the Java object
68      */
69     public T getValue(Object object) throws IllegalStateException;
70  
71     /**
72      * Sets the value of the field on the object.
73      * 
74      * @param object
75      *           The object.
76      * @param value
77      *           The new value.
78      * @throws IllegalStateException
79      *            The Java object has changed and is no longer supported by this
80      *            handler, or the handler is not compatible with the Java object.
81      * @throws IllegalArgumentException
82      *            The value passed is not of a supported type.
83      */
84     public void setValue(Object object, T value) throws IllegalStateException, IllegalArgumentException;
85  
86     /**
87      * Sets the value of the field to a default value.
88      * <p>
89      * Reference fields are set to null, primitive fields are set to their
90      * default value, collection fields are emptied of all elements.
91      * 
92      * @param object
93      *           The object.
94      * @throws IllegalStateException
95      *            The Java object has changed and is no longer supported by this
96      *            handler, or the handler is not compatible with the Java object.
97      */
98     public void resetValue(Object object) throws IllegalStateException, IllegalArgumentException;
99  
100    /**
101     * @deprecated No longer supported
102     */
103    public void checkValidity(Object object) throws ValidityException, IllegalStateException;
104 
105    /**
106     * Creates a new instance of the object described by this field.
107     * 
108     * @param parent
109     *           The object for which the field is created
110     * @return A new instance of the field's value
111     * @throws IllegalStateException
112     *            This field is a simple type and cannot be instantiated
113     */
114    public T newInstance(Object parent) throws IllegalStateException;
115 
116 }