[GROOVY-3014] add an annotation that forces the compiler to check methods for their existence at compile time

• Type: Sub-task
• Status: Closed
• Priority: Major
• Resolution: Fixed
• Fix Version/s: 2.0-beta-1
• Assignee: Cédric Champeau
• Reporter: Jochen Theodorou
• Created: 21/Aug/08 05:10
• Updated: 13/May/12 03:30
• Resolved: 17/Feb/12 03:58

Description

coming from Java it is a bit difficult for some users to find their way into dynamic programming, especially when it comes to method being there or not. therefor I suggested an annotation with source visibility, that can be used by the compiler to check if a method actually exists. This will slow down compilation a bit and may not be supported by IDEs as of yet. Also the check will be a check only, it will not force any kind of method selection at runtime. I suggested to let the compiler throw an error if the annotation forces compiler to check if a method exists, but is unknown, because I am against warnings. the annotation should be used at method or class scope.