[java] Determining an Object's Class (How can you?)
Author
Is there an easy way to determine what an instantiated Object''s class is? All I''m looking for is the name of the class? So far I haven''t been able to figure out just how to do this. Can anyone help out? Thanks.
you can find an objects type/class, but not the class''s name, it''s called RTTI (Run Time Type Identification), it''s not enabled in VC++ by default so make sure you enable it.
trying to find a good example in stroustrup''s book (its in chapter 15 i think), use typeid().
trying to find a good example in stroustrup''s book (its in chapter 15 i think), use typeid().
Abdulla, this is a Java forum 
. However, I don''t know enough Java to answer this myself.
[Resist Windows XP''s Invasive Production Activation Technology!]
. However, I don''t know enough Java to answer this myself. [Resist Windows XP''s Invasive Production Activation Technology!]
Look at 'reflection' : java.lang.reflect.*
There is defined the Class, Method, Member, Field ... classes.
So, you use getClass on an object, and then can do stuff like print its name, call the members indirectly (via a class object)...
It also enables you to dynamically add classes (LoadClass thingys).
Edit: Disclaimer: I am not a Java programmer, I just have a book.
Edited by - Fruny on December 11, 2001 10:48:06 PM
There is defined the Class, Method, Member, Field ... classes.
So, you use getClass on an object, and then can do stuff like print its name, call the members indirectly (via a class object)...
It also enables you to dynamically add classes (LoadClass thingys).
Edit: Disclaimer: I am not a Java programmer, I just have a book.
Edited by - Fruny on December 11, 2001 10:48:06 PM
object.getClass().getName()
You don't need reflection just to query the object's class.
"So crucify the ego, before it's far too late. To leave behind this place so negative and blind and cynical, and you will come to find that we are all one mind. Capable of all that's imagined and all conceivable."
- Tool
------------------------------
Edited by - wayfarerx on December 11, 2001 10:52:59 PM
You don't need reflection just to query the object's class.
"So crucify the ego, before it's far too late. To leave behind this place so negative and blind and cynical, and you will come to find that we are all one mind. Capable of all that's imagined and all conceivable."
- Tool
------------------------------
Edited by - wayfarerx on December 11, 2001 10:52:59 PM
You can use the instanceof operator to determine if an object is of a specific, known type:
if (object instanceof MyCoolObject)
{
...
}
If the object supports reflection, then you can obtain its class info:
Object o;
Class c = o.getClass();
String name = c.getName();
If you just want a text string, and it''s a class that you have defined, you could add your own getName method and avoid having to worry about reflection:
class MyCoolObject
{
public static String getName() { return ("MyCoolObject"
; }
}
if (object instanceof MyCoolObject)
{
...
}
If the object supports reflection, then you can obtain its class info:
Object o;
Class c = o.getClass();
String name = c.getName();
If you just want a text string, and it''s a class that you have defined, you could add your own getName method and avoid having to worry about reflection:
class MyCoolObject
{
public static String getName() { return ("MyCoolObject"
; }}
Technically, obj.getClass().getName() IS using reflection, because getClass() returns an instance of java.lang.reflect.Class, so reflection is being used... Just because you don''t need to import the package doesn''t mean that reflection isn''t being used.
Secondly, there''s NO reason to duplicate what the above code does with code of your own. This is java. There is no "if the object supports reflection." EVERY object supports reflection.
Secondly, there''s NO reason to duplicate what the above code does with code of your own. This is java. There is no "if the object supports reflection." EVERY object supports reflection.
>> Technically, obj.getClass().getName() IS using reflection, because getClass() returns an instance of java.lang.reflect.Class >>
Check the API again. Object.getClass() returns an instance of java.lang.Class, not java.lang.reflect.Class, so you are not using reflection when doing this.
Henry
Check the API again. Object.getClass() returns an instance of java.lang.Class, not java.lang.reflect.Class, so you are not using reflection when doing this.
Henry
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