[news.eclipse.platform] Re: IAdapterFactory vs. adapters extension

[Roman Mukhin <ramses_ru@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Martin

IAdapterFactory and its extension org.eclipse.core.runtime.adapters allow other people to 
extend you UI model. They can attach transparently some additional interfaces (i.e. 
implementations of those interfaces) to you model.

Look at FAQ 126 Official Eclipse 3.0 FAQs (How do I use IAdaptable and IAdapterFactory?). 
It exaclty answers your question.


I think the classical example would be to use:

1. Inherit you UI model from PlatformObject (or implement IAdaptable through look up with 
IAdapterFactory)

2. Provide IWorkbenchAdapter (IWorkbenchAdapter2) using extension point 
(org.eclipse.core.runtime.adapters) (at the package org.eclipse.ui.model you will find 
some base and ready to use classes)

3.  Now you can use (or inherit) WorkbenchLabelProvider, BaseWorkbenchContentProvider, 
WorkbenchViewerSorter to display for example using TreeViewer you model. You model does 
not have any UI code.
And other way somebody could display your object even know  nothing about your UI model 
interfaces.
---------------------------------------------
This case is described in FAQ 177 (The Official Eclipse 3.0 FAQs):
---------------------------------------------

Another example: you can attach implementation of your interfaces from your plug-in to 
existing Models of another plug-in. A lot of extension points support object filters with 
adaptable=true/false parameter. That is a hook to you attached implementations.



I hope it gives you a hit where to read more about it

- best regards
Ram

martin wrote:
> Hi,
>
> can anyone explain to me why one has to implement IAdapterFactory with 
> its method getAdapterList AND additionally specify all adapter types in 
> plugin.xml when using the org.eclipse.core.runtime.adapters extension? 
> Seems kind of redundant to me...
>
> Regards,
> M