24.8. Processing Annotations at Runtime

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the purpose of annotations in Java?

   Hint

   Think of them as 'tags' that provide extra information.

2. 2.

   What method retrieves an annotation from a method?

   Hint

   It starts with 'get' and ends with 'Annotation'.

3. 3.

   What do annotations in Java provide?

   • a. Runtime behaviour of classes
   • b. Metadata about program elements
   • c. Implementation details of methods

   Hint

   They add context without altering how the code runs.

4. 4.

   True or False: Annotations can be processed at compile time only.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember, they can help runtime behavior.

5. 5.

   Create a custom annotation and demonstrate how to retrieve its value using reflection in an example.

   Hint

   Remember to call the right annotation and method!

6. 6.

   Discuss the performance implications of using reflection and propose alternatives.

   Hint

   Reflect on 'direct access vs. dynamic access' aspects.