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Interpretations of Provided Interfaces

  1. All methods and protocols in the interface specification are implemented by the component and hence can be offered by the component during runtime. Whether the component offers the interface depends on the conditions available at runtime.
  2. All methods and protocols have to be supported by the providing component independent from any conditions.

The second definition is useful in the context of systems which are fully under control of its implementer. He can design the environment so that all dependencies are fulfilled. Hence, the interface contract can be guaranteed by design. With third party deployable components the situation is different. The first interpretation seems to be more appropriate as the control over the runtime environment is with the assembler and not with the producer of the component.



Snowball 2007-03-16