spring-expression

org.springframework.expression
Interface TypeConverter

All Known Implementing Classes:
StandardTypeConverter

public interface TypeConverter

A type converter can convert values between different types encountered during expression evaluation. This is an SPI for the expression parser; see ConversionService for the primary user API to Spring's conversion facilities.

Since:
3.0
Author:
Andy Clement, Juergen Hoeller

Method Summary
 boolean canConvert(org.springframework.core.convert.TypeDescriptor sourceType, org.springframework.core.convert.TypeDescriptor targetType)
          Return true if the type converter can convert the specified type to the desired target type.
 java.lang.Object convertValue(java.lang.Object value, org.springframework.core.convert.TypeDescriptor sourceType, org.springframework.core.convert.TypeDescriptor targetType)
          Convert (may coerce) a value from one type to another, for example from a boolean to a string.
 

Method Detail

canConvert

boolean canConvert(org.springframework.core.convert.TypeDescriptor sourceType,
                   org.springframework.core.convert.TypeDescriptor targetType)
Return true if the type converter can convert the specified type to the desired target type.

Parameters:
sourceType - a type descriptor that describes the source type
targetType - a type descriptor that describes the requested result type
Returns:
true if that conversion can be performed

convertValue

java.lang.Object convertValue(java.lang.Object value,
                              org.springframework.core.convert.TypeDescriptor sourceType,
                              org.springframework.core.convert.TypeDescriptor targetType)
Convert (may coerce) a value from one type to another, for example from a boolean to a string. The typeDescriptor parameter enables support for typed collections - if the caller really wishes they can have a List<Integer> for example, rather than simply a List.

Parameters:
value - the value to be converted
sourceType - a type descriptor that supplies extra information about the source object
targetType - a type descriptor that supplies extra information about the requested result type
Returns:
the converted value
Throws:
EvaluationException - if conversion is not possible

spring-expression