@FunctionalInterface and Javadoc

[David Holmes]

On 26/11/2013 10:41 AM, Brian Goetz wrote:
> A long time ago, we agreed that the Javadoc for a functional interface
> should say something like "This is a functional interface."  This is
> done using a structural analysis of the interface, just as when used as
> the target of a lambda.
>
> Later in time, we arrived at @FunctionalInterface, which is optional to
> use.  It is closest in spirit to @Override, since:
>   - It captures design intent
>   - It enlists the compiler's aid in catching violations of such intent;
> an @FI-marked method that is not a functional interface will merit a
> compile error.
>
> It has recently been pointed out that perhaps we should adjust the
> Javadoc generation, to trigger off of @FI rather than structurally,
> since there are functional interfaces in the JDK that are not marked @FI
> (deliberately) but which still bear the "This is a functional interface"
> blurb.

I would think you still want both as discussed in the email thread, but 
with different wording, also as discussed. I can imagine existing 
libraries being used across 7 and 8 and so not being able to apply @FI.

I think something like:

"In its current form this is implicitly a functional interface."

which captures the implicit-ness and that in the future, should the 
interface be enhanced, it may no longer be a functional interface.

David