de.intarsys.claptz

Interface IExtensionPoint

All Superinterfaces:

IAttributeSupport

All Known Implementing Classes:

StandardExtensionPoint.Facade

public interface IExtensionPoint
extends IAttributeSupport

An object defining a "plugin" point, where otherwise unrelated client code may register an IExtension for use and activation by the IExtensionPoint provider.

The IExtensionPoint provider gives other code the possibility to enhance its implementation with code totally unknown at the time of providing (designing) the provider.

The IExtension provided may be code or data of any kind, thats up to the API contract defined by the IExtensionPoint provider.

Method Summary

Methods

Modifier and Type	Method and Description
IExtension[]	getExtensions() All IExtensions provided so far.
String	getId() The unique id for the IExtensionPoint.
IExtensionPointHandler	getInstaller() An optional functor object that can handle the installation semantics of the IExtensionPoint.
IInstrument	getProvider() The object providing the IExtensionPoint.

Methods inherited from interface de.intarsys.tools.attribute.IAttributeSupport

getAttribute, removeAttribute, setAttribute

Method Detail

getExtensions

IExtension[] getExtensions()

All IExtensions provided so far. The returned array does not reflect the internal structure, so you are safe to change without side effects. The returned array is always in the same order, this means especially that a new IExtension object is added to the end of the array. When there are no extensions defined, this method returns an empty array.

Returns:

All IExtensions provided so far.

getId

String getId()

The unique id for the IExtensionPoint.

Returns:

The unique id for the IExtensionPoint.

getInstaller

IExtensionPointHandler getInstaller()

An optional functor object that can handle the installation semantics of the IExtensionPoint. If declared, the IExtensionPointHandler is executed immediately after the registration of the IExtensionPoint. This means that IExtension declarations to the IExtensionPoint will arrive AFTER the installation, take care to handle IExtensionPoint event notification if necessary.

Returns:

An optional functor object that can handle the installation semantics of the IExtensionPoint.

getProvider

IInstrument getProvider()

The object providing the IExtensionPoint. This object defines the syntax and semantics associated with the IExtensionPoint.

Returns:

The object providing the IExtensionPoint