Java Flag Interfaces.

What is a Java Flag Interface?

• Sometimes completely empty interfaces serve as a marker that a class has a special property.
• java.io.Serializeable interface existing in the Java API is a good example.
• Classes that implement Serialize don't have to add any methods or variables.
• java.io.Serializeable interface simply identifies that classes that implements that interface is able to be serialized.
  Example of Flag Interface:

  interface BeSlaughtered {}  // Flag interface
  interface Organic {
    boolean IsOrganic();
  }
  class Car implements  Organic {
    // Implemented method from the interface Organic:
    @Override
    public boolean IsOrganic() { 
      return false;
    }
  }
  // all objects of Bull can be slaughtered
  class Bull implements Organic, BeSlaughtered {
    // Implemented method from the interface Organic:
    @Override
    public boolean IsOrganic() {
      return true;
    }
  }
  public class Reporter {
    public void executeReport(Organic obj) {
      System.out.println("The fact that objects of "
      + obj.getClass().getSimpleName() + " is Organic is " + obj.IsOrganic());
      String stateText=" NOT";
      if (obj instanceof BeSlaughtered) {
        stateText="";
      }
      System.out.println("Objects of "
        + obj.getClass().getSimpleName() + " can"+stateText+" be slaughtered.");
    }
    public static void main(String[] args) {
      Reporter rep= new Reporter();
      rep.executeReport(new Car());
      rep.executeReport(new Bull());
    }
  }
  

  The result of this is:

  The fact that objects of Car is Organic is false
  Objects of Car can NOT be slaughtered.
  The fact that objects of Bull is Organic is true
  Objects of Bull can be slaughtered.

  You can download this example here (needed tools can be found in the right menu on this page).