Extension methods and API evolution

Paul Benedict pbenedict at apache.org
Wed Dec 16 09:24:10 PST 2009


Mark,

> I understand your view, but I can't agree.  One of the primary values
> of the Java language is its inherent readability.  Use-site extension
> methods, like many other oft-requested features (e.g., macros), would
> significantly degrade that value.

It's true that use-site extensions degrade readability, but it's
because of static import. The loss of the class qualifier is always a
problem for readability. I see that as a lesser evil compared to
adding interface methods to declaration-site extensions, which, as it
shows, aren't really interface methods for implementing.

Paul


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