Programming Tutorials

interface Example in Java

By: Vimala  

In the Java programming language, an interface is a reference type, similar to a class, that can contain only constants, method signatures, and nested types. There are no method bodies. Interfaces cannot be instantiated—they can only be implemented by classes or extended by other interfaces. Extension is discussed later in this lesson.

Defining an interface is similar to creating a new class:

public interface OperateCar {

   // constant declarations, if any

   // method signatures
   int turn(Direction direction,   // An enum with values RIGHT, LEFT
              double radius, double startSpeed, double endSpeed);
   int changeLanes(Direction direction, double startSpeed, double endSpeed);
   int signalTurn(Direction direction, boolean signalOn);
   int getRadarFront(double distanceToCar, double speedOfCar);
   int getRadarRear(double distanceToCar, double speedOfCar);
         ......
   // more method signatures
}

Note that the method signatures have no braces and are terminated with a semicolon.

To use an interface, you write a class that implements the interface. When an instantiable class implements an interface, it provides a method body for each of the methods declared in the interface. For example,

public class OperateBMW760i implements OperateCar {

   // the OperateCar method signatures, with implementation --
   // for example:
   int signalTurn(Direction direction, boolean signalOn) {
      //b to turn BMW's LEFT turn indicator lights on
      //b to turn BMW's LEFT turn indicator lights off
      //b to turn BMW's RIGHT turn indicator lights on
      //b to turn BMW's RIGHT turn indicator lights off
   }

   // other members, as needed -- for example, helper classes
   // not visible to clients of the interface

}

In the robotic car example above, it is the automobile manufacturers who will implement the interface. Chevrolet's implementation will be substantially different from that of Toyota, of course, but both manufacturers will adhere to the same interface. The guidance manufacturers, who are the clients of the interface, will build systems that use GPS data on a car's location, digital street maps, and traffic data to drive the car. In so doing, the guidance systems will invoke the interface methods: turn, change lanes, brake, accelerate, and so forth.

Archived Comments