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package org.apache.commons.collections4;

Defines a functor interface implemented by classes that create objects.

A Factory creates an object without using an input parameter. If an input parameter is required, then Transformer is more appropriate.

Standard implementations of common factories are provided by FactoryUtils. These include factories that return a constant, a copy of a prototype or a new instance.

Type parameters:
  • <T> – the type that the factory creates
Since:2.1
/** * Defines a functor interface implemented by classes that create objects. * <p> * A <code>Factory</code> creates an object without using an input parameter. * If an input parameter is required, then {@link Transformer} is more appropriate. * <p> * Standard implementations of common factories are provided by * {@link FactoryUtils}. These include factories that return a constant, * a copy of a prototype or a new instance. * * @param <T> the type that the factory creates * * @since 2.1 */
public interface Factory<T> {
Create a new object.
Throws:
Returns:a new object
/** * Create a new object. * * @return a new object * @throws FunctorException (runtime) if the factory cannot create an object */
T create(); }