Can you add a method to an object?

[Paul Hoffman]

After I have instaniated an object from a class, is it then possible to add methods to my object?

[Ove Lindström]

Well, not really... Not in the meaning as if you have this empty class

public MyClass {
}

and then do

...

MyClass mc = new MyClass();

...

you could then do:

mc.addMethod(new Method(){ ...} );

The true answer is "You don't want to do that!".

It IS possible to do it by manipulating on the byte code with some really fancy tricks. However... you don't want to do that. In most cases it is better to use Aspect Oriented Programing and put in cutpoints where you need to manipulate the code. Or use a Visitor pattern or Strategy pattern. Or even use the horrible ProxyClass (see See http://www.exampledepot.com/egs/java.lang.reflect/ProxyClass.html) if you are needing a custom implementation of an interface, and you only know the details at runtime.

Most of the time, it is better to change the model and use some sort of dependency injection of a custom class into another than trying to manipulate on the actual object. As stated in THGTTG, it is better to remove the mountain than trying to make it invisible...

[Paul Hoffman]

I didn't think so and your explanation is very helpful...THANK YOU!