Dynamic types for a variable.

[Somelauw]

Is it possible to pass a class as a variable to a function? (or any workaround)

I want something like:

static <type> function(<type> a) {
     a.method();
}

and then use it as:

     function(Subclass a);

Such that java replaces <type> by Subclass in the function.

[Fubarable]

Usually interfaces are used for such indirections. Instead of passing "functions" (methods in Java), you pass an object that implements a particular interface. If you've ever done Swing coding, then you're familiar with this concept when using ActionListener objects.

I suppose that Java 7 may address this with closures, but I'm not sure on that point (nor that it even needs "addressing").

[Somelauw]

Does that mean that the following works?

public interface Inter {
     public static void foe();
}

class Thing extends Inter {
     public static void foe() {
          System.out.println("hello world!");
     }
}

public static void main() {
     bar(new Thing()); //Will this print "Hello World"?
}

public static void bar(Inter thing) {
    thing.foe();
}

[dinosoep]

yes it will.
but without that interface it still would work :p

[JosAH]

And to complete the confusion have a look at Generics.

kind regards,

Jos

[Tolls]

No, it won't work.
That's a static method...