@Target(TYPE) @Retention(SOURCE) public @interface FreeBuilder

Annotates a type that has an auto-generated builder.

Quick start

Create your value type (e.g. Person) as an interface or abstract class, containing an abstract accessor method for each desired field. This accessor must be non-void, parameterless, and start with 'get' or 'is'. Add the @FreeBuilder annotation to your class, and it will automatically generate an implementing class and a package-visible builder API (Person_Builder), which you must subclass. For instance:

@FreeBuilder
 public interface Person {
   /** Returns the person's full (English) name. */
   String getName();
   /** Returns the person's age in years, rounded down. */
   int getAge();
   /** Builder of {@link Person} instances. */
   class Builder extends Person_Builder { }
 }

You can now use the Builder class:

Person person = new Person.Builder()
     .setName("Phil")
     .setAge(31)
     .build();
 System.out.println(person);  // Person{name=Phil, age=31}

See Also:

Annotation Type FreeBuilder

Quick start