The document discusses metaprogramming in Groovy using the Meta Object Protocol (MOP). It explains that MOP allows modifying classes at runtime by adding/changing methods and properties. Examples are provided of adding string truncation methods to classes using MetaClass, and overriding Integer and Boolean method behavior. Categories are introduced as a way to scope metaclass changes. Extension modules are also covered as a mechanism to enhance classes through JAR plugins.

1. Metaprogramming
with Groovy
Iván López - @ilopmar

2. Hello!
I am Iván López
@ilopmar
http://greachconf.com@madridgug

3. Groovy is dynamic
▷ “Delay” to runtime some decisions
▷ Add properties/behaviours in
runtime
▷ Wide range of applicability

4. What is
metaprogramming?

5. “Metaprogramming is the writing
of computer programs that write
or manipulate other programs (or
themselves) as their data.
- Wikipedia

6. 1.
Runtime
metaprogramming

7. Runtime metaprogramming
▷ Groovy provides this through Meta-
Object Protocol (MOP)
▷ Use MOP to:
– Invoke methods dynamically
– Synthesize classes and methods on
the fly

8. What is the Meta Object Protocol?
Groovy
Groovy
Java
Java
MOP

9. MetaClass
▷ MetaClass registry for each class
▷ Collection of methods/properties
▷ We can always modify the metaclass

10. MOP method
injection

11. MOP Method Injection
▷ Injecting methods at code-writing time
▷ We can “open” a class any time
▷ Different techniques:
– MetaClass
– Categories
– Extensions
– Mixins vs Traits

12. class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
String chuckIpsum = "If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you.
If you can not see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death"
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72)
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
// Execution
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No...
String.metaClass.truncate = { Integer length, Boolean overflow = false ->
delegate.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
assert chuckIpsum.truncate(72, true) == StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
Adding methods using MetaClass

13. class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
String chuckIpsum = "If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you.
If you can not see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death"
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72)
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
// Execution
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No...
String.metaClass.truncate = { Integer length, Boolean overflow = false ->
delegate.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
assert chuckIpsum.truncate(72, true) == StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
Adding methods using MetaClass

14. class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
String chuckIpsum = "If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you.
If you can not see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death"
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72)
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
// Execution
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No...
String.metaClass.truncate = { Integer length, Boolean overflow = false ->
delegate.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
assert chuckIpsum.truncate(72, true) == StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
Adding methods using MetaClass

15. class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
String chuckIpsum = "If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you.
If you can not see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death"
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72)
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
// Execution
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No...
String.metaClass.truncate = { Integer length, Boolean overflow = false ->
delegate.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
assert chuckIpsum.truncate(72, true) == StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
Adding methods using MetaClass

16. class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
String chuckIpsum = "If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you.
If you can not see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death"
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72)
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
// Execution
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No...
String.metaClass.truncate = { Integer length, Boolean overflow = false ->
delegate.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
assert chuckIpsum.truncate(72, true) == StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
Adding methods using MetaClass

17. class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
String chuckIpsum = "If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you.
If you can not see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death"
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72)
println StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
// Execution
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can not see Chuck No...
String.metaClass.truncate = { Integer length, Boolean overflow = false ->
delegate.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
assert chuckIpsum.truncate(72, true) == StringUtils.truncate(chuckIpsum, 72, true)
Adding methods using MetaClass

18. class Utils {
}
def utilsInstance = new Utils()
Utils.metaClass.version = "3.0"
utilsInstance.metaClass.released = true
assert utilsInstance.version == "3.0"
assert utilsInstance.released == true
Adding properties using MetaClass

19. Adding properties using MetaClass
class Utils {
}
def utilsInstance = new Utils()
Utils.metaClass.version = "3.0"
utilsInstance.metaClass.released = true
assert utilsInstance.version == "3.0"
assert utilsInstance.released == true

20. class Utils {
}
def utilsInstance = new Utils()
Utils.metaClass.version = "3.0"
utilsInstance.metaClass.released = true
assert utilsInstance.version == "3.0"
assert utilsInstance.released == true
Adding properties using MetaClass

21. class Utils {
}
def utilsInstance = new Utils()
Utils.metaClass.version = "3.0"
utilsInstance.metaClass.released = true
assert utilsInstance.version == "3.0"
assert utilsInstance.released == true
Adding properties using MetaClass

22. // Integer
assert '42' == 42.toString()
Integer.metaClass.toString = {
delegate == 42 ?
'The answer to life, the universe and everything' :
String.valueOf(delegate)
}
assert 42.toString() == 'The answer to life, the universe and everything'
assert 100.toString() == '100'
// Boolean
assert false.toBoolean() == false
Boolean.metaClass.toBoolean = { !delegate }
assert false.toBoolean() == true
Overriding methods using MetaClass

23. // Integer
assert '42' == 42.toString()
Integer.metaClass.toString = {
delegate == 42 ?
'The answer to life, the universe and everything' :
String.valueOf(delegate)
}
assert 42.toString() == 'The answer to life, the universe and everything'
assert 100.toString() == '100'
// Boolean
assert false.toBoolean() == false
Boolean.metaClass.toBoolean = { !delegate }
assert false.toBoolean() == true
Overriding methods using MetaClass

24. // Integer
assert '42' == 42.toString()
Integer.metaClass.toString = {
delegate == 42 ?
'The answer to life, the universe and everything' :
String.valueOf(delegate)
}
assert 42.toString() == 'The answer to life, the universe and everything'
assert 100.toString() == '100'
// Boolean
assert false.toBoolean() == false
Boolean.metaClass.toBoolean = { !delegate }
assert false.toBoolean() == true
Overriding methods using MetaClass

25. // Integer
assert '42' == 42.toString()
Integer.metaClass.toString = {
delegate == 42 ?
'The answer to life, the universe and everything' :
String.valueOf(delegate)
}
assert 42.toString() == 'The answer to life, the universe and everything'
assert 100.toString() == '100'
// Boolean
assert false.toBoolean() == false
Boolean.metaClass.toBoolean = { !delegate }
assert false.toBoolean() == true
Overriding methods using MetaClass

26. // Integer
assert '42' == 42.toString()
Integer.metaClass.toString = {
delegate == 42 ?
'The answer to life, the universe and everything' :
String.valueOf(delegate)
}
assert 42.toString() == 'The answer to life, the universe and everything'
assert 100.toString() == '100'
// Boolean
assert false.toBoolean() == false
Boolean.metaClass.toBoolean = { !delegate }
assert false.toBoolean() == true
Overriding methods using MetaClass

27. // Integer
assert '42' == 42.toString()
Integer.metaClass.toString = {
delegate == 42 ?
'The answer to life, the universe and everything' :
String.valueOf(delegate)
}
assert 42.toString() == 'The answer to life, the universe and everything'
assert 100.toString() == '100'
// Boolean
assert false.toBoolean() == false
Boolean.metaClass.toBoolean = { !delegate }
assert false.toBoolean() == true
Overriding methods using MetaClass

28. // Integer
assert '42' == 42.toString()
Integer.metaClass.toString = {
delegate == 42 ?
'The answer to life, the universe and everything' :
String.valueOf(delegate)
}
assert 42.toString() == 'The answer to life, the universe and everything'
assert 100.toString() == '100'
// Boolean
assert false.toBoolean() == false
Boolean.metaClass.toBoolean = { !delegate }
assert false.toBoolean() == true
Overriding methods using MetaClass

29. Categories
▷ MetaClass changes are “persistent”
▷ Change metaclass in confined code
▷ MOP modified only in the closure

30. Categories example
class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
use (StringUtils) {
println "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
}
try {
println "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
} catch (MissingMethodException mme) {
println mme
}
// Execution
Lorem
groovy.lang.MissingMethodException: No
signature of method:
java.lang.String.truncate() is
applicable for argument types:
(java.lang.Integer) values: [5]
Possible solutions:
concat(java.lang.String), take(int)

31. Categories example
class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
use (StringUtils) {
println "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
}
try {
println "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
} catch (MissingMethodException mme) {
println mme
}
// Execution
Lorem
groovy.lang.MissingMethodException: No
signature of method:
java.lang.String.truncate() is
applicable for argument types:
(java.lang.Integer) values: [5]
Possible solutions:
concat(java.lang.String), take(int)

32. Categories example
class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
use (StringUtils) {
println "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
}
try {
println "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
} catch (MissingMethodException mme) {
println mme
}
// Execution
Lorem
groovy.lang.MissingMethodException: No
signature of method:
java.lang.String.truncate() is
applicable for argument types:
(java.lang.Integer) values: [5]
Possible solutions:
concat(java.lang.String), take(int)

33. Categories example
class StringUtils {
static String truncate(String text, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
text.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
use (StringUtils) {
println "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
}
try {
println "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
} catch (MissingMethodException mme) {
println mme
}
// Execution
Lorem
groovy.lang.MissingMethodException: No
signature of method:
java.lang.String.truncate() is
applicable for argument types:
(java.lang.Integer) values: [5]
Possible solutions:
concat(java.lang.String), take(int)

34. Categories example (II)
println TimeCategory.getHours(20).plus(TimeCategory.getDays(10).from.now)
// Thu Jun 12 20:00:00 CET 2016
import groovy.time.TimeCategory
use (TimeCategory) {
println (20.hours + 10.days.from.now)
// Thu Jun 12 20:00:00 CET 2016
}

35. Categories example (II)
println TimeCategory.getHours(20).plus(TimeCategory.getDays(10).from.now)
// Thu Jun 12 20:00:00 CET 2016
import groovy.time.TimeCategory
use (TimeCategory) {
println (20.hours + 10.days.from.now)
// Thu Jun 12 20:00:00 CET 2016
}

36. Categories example (II)
println TimeCategory.getHours(20).plus(TimeCategory.getDays(10).from.now)
// Thu Jun 12 20:00:00 CET 2016
import groovy.time.TimeCategory
use (TimeCategory) {
println (20.hours + 10.days.from.now)
// Thu Jun 12 20:00:00 CET 2016
}

37. Extension modules
▷ JAR file that provides extra methods
▷ Meta-information file
▷ Put jar in classpath to enhance classes

38. // src/main/groovy/demo/StringUtilsExtension.groovy
package demo
class StringUtilsExtension {
static String truncate(String self, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
self.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
package demo
import spock.lang.Specification
class StringUtilsExtensionSpec extends Specification {
void 'test trucate'() {
expect:
"Lorem" == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
"Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5, true)
}
}
// Execute with:
// gradle build
// groovy -cp build/libs/string-
extensions-1.0.jar
ExtensionExample1.groovy
assert "Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".
truncate(5, true)
# src/main/resources/META-INF/services/org.codehaus.groovy.runtime.ExtensionModule
moduleName = string-utils-module
moduleVersion = 0.1
extensionClasses = demo.StringUtilsExtension
Extension modules example

39. Extension modules example
// src/main/groovy/demo/StringUtilsExtension.groovy
package demo
class StringUtilsExtension {
static String truncate(String self, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
self.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
# src/main/resources/META-INF/services/org.codehaus.groovy.runtime.ExtensionModule
moduleName = string-utils-module
moduleVersion = 0.1
extensionClasses = demo.StringUtilsExtension
package demo
import spock.lang.Specification
class StringUtilsExtensionSpec extends Specification {
void 'test trucate'() {
expect:
"Lorem" == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
"Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5, true)
}
}
// Execute with:
// gradle build
// groovy -cp build/libs/string-
extensions-1.0.jar
ExtensionExample1.groovy
assert "Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".
truncate(5, true)

40. Extension modules example
// src/main/groovy/demo/StringUtilsExtension.groovy
package demo
class StringUtilsExtension {
static String truncate(String self, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
self.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
package demo
import spock.lang.Specification
class StringUtilsExtensionSpec extends Specification {
void 'test trucate'() {
expect:
"Lorem" == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
"Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5, true)
}
}
// Execute with:
// gradle build
// groovy -cp build/libs/string-
extensions-1.0.jar
ExtensionExample1.groovy
assert "Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".
truncate(5, true)
# src/main/resources/META-INF/services/org.codehaus.groovy.runtime.ExtensionModule
moduleName = string-utils-module
moduleVersion = 0.1
extensionClasses = demo.StringUtilsExtension

41. Extension modules example
// src/main/groovy/demo/StringUtilsExtension.groovy
package demo
class StringUtilsExtension {
static String truncate(String self, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
self.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
package demo
import spock.lang.Specification
class StringUtilsExtensionSpec extends Specification {
void 'test trucate'() {
expect:
"Lorem" == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
"Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5, true)
}
}
// Execute with:
// gradle build
// groovy -cp build/libs/string-
extensions-1.0.jar
ExtensionExample1.groovy
assert "Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".
truncate(5, true)
# src/main/resources/META-INF/services/org.codehaus.groovy.runtime.ExtensionModule
moduleName = string-utils-module
moduleVersion = 0.1
extensionClasses = demo.StringUtilsExtension

42. // src/main/groovy/demo/StringUtilsExtension.groovy
package demo
class StringUtilsExtension {
static String truncate(String self, Integer length, Boolean overflow = false) {
self.take(length) + (overflow ? '...' : '')
}
}
package demo
import spock.lang.Specification
class StringUtilsExtensionSpec extends Specification {
void 'test trucate'() {
expect:
"Lorem" == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5)
"Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".truncate(5, true)
}
}
// Execute with:
// gradle build
// groovy -cp build/libs/string-
extensions-1.0.jar
ExtensionExample1.groovy
assert "Lorem..." == "Lorem ipsum".
truncate(5, true)
Extension modules example
# src/main/resources/META-INF/services/org.codehaus.groovy.runtime.ExtensionModule
moduleName = string-utils-module
moduleVersion = 0.1
extensionClasses = demo.StringUtilsExtension

43. Mixins
▷ “Bring in” or “mix in” implementations
from multiple classes
▷ Calls first routed to mixed-in class
▷ Last mixin wins
▷ Not easily un-done

44. class SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
Mixins example
@Mixin([SpidermanPower])
class Person {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert !(person instanceof SpidermanPower)
Person.mixin SupermanPower
assert person.fly() == "Flying..."
assert !(person instanceof SupermanPower)
class SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}

45. @Mixin([SpidermanPower])
class Person {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert !(person instanceof SpidermanPower)
Person.mixin SupermanPower
assert person.fly() == "Flying..."
assert !(person instanceof SupermanPower)
class SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}
class SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
Mixins example

46. @Mixin([SpidermanPower])
class Person {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert !(person instanceof SpidermanPower)
Person.mixin SupermanPower
assert person.fly() == "Flying..."
assert !(person instanceof SupermanPower)
class SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}
class SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
Mixins example

47. @Mixin([SpidermanPower])
class Person {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert !(person instanceof SpidermanPower)
Person.mixin SupermanPower
assert person.fly() == "Flying..."
assert !(person instanceof SupermanPower)
class SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}
class SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
Mixins example

48. @Mixin([SpidermanPower])
class Person {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert !(person instanceof SpidermanPower)
Person.mixin SupermanPower
assert person.fly() == "Flying..."
assert !(person instanceof SupermanPower)
class SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
Mixins example
class SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}

49. @Mixin([SpidermanPower])
class Person {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert !(person instanceof SpidermanPower)
Person.mixin SupermanPower
assert person.fly() == "Flying..."
assert !(person instanceof SupermanPower)
class SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
Mixins example
class SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}

50. “When we started fixing mixin bugs we didn't know
if they were a bug or a feature, so we removed
mixins and add traits.
- Jochen Theodorou
(Greach 2015 Opening Keynote)

51. Traits
▷ Groovy 2.3+
▷ Similar to Java 8 default methods
▷ Supported in JDK 6, 7 and 8
▷ Stateful
▷ Composition over inheritance
▷ Documentation

52. class Person implements SpidermanPower {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert person instanceof SpidermanPower
def person2 = person.withTraits SupermanPower
assert person2.fly() == "Flying..."
assert person2 instanceof SupermanPower
Traits example
trait SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
trait SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}

53. class Person implements SpidermanPower {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert person instanceof SpidermanPower
def person2 = person.withTraits SupermanPower
assert person2.fly() == "Flying..."
assert person2 instanceof SupermanPower
Traits example
trait SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
trait SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}

54. class Person implements SpidermanPower {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert person instanceof SpidermanPower
def person2 = person.withTraits SupermanPower
assert person2.fly() == "Flying..."
assert person2 instanceof SupermanPower
Traits example
trait SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
trait SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}

55. class Person implements SpidermanPower {}
def person = new Person()
assert person.spiderSense() == "Using spider-sense..."
assert person instanceof SpidermanPower
def person2 = person.withTraits SupermanPower
assert person2.fly() == "Flying..."
assert person2 instanceof SupermanPower
Traits example
trait SpidermanPower {
String spiderSense() {
"Using spider-sense..."
}
}
trait SupermanPower {
String fly() {
"Flying..."
}
}

56. MOP method
synthesis

57. MOP Method Synthesis
▷ Dynamically figure out behaviour upon
invocation
▷ It may not exist until it's called/executed
▷ “Intercept, Cache, Invoke” pattern

58. def p = new Person(name: 'Iván', age: 34)
assert p.respondsTo('sayHi')
assert p.respondsTo('sayHiTo', String)
assert !p.respondsTo('goodbye')
assert p.hasProperty('name')
assert !p.hasProperty('country')
Check for methods and properties
class Person {
String name
Integer age
String sayHi() {
"Hi, my name is ${name} and I'm ${age}"
}
String sayHiTo(String name) {
"Hi ${name}, how are you?"
}
}

59. def p = new Person(name: 'Iván', age: 36)
assert p.respondsTo('sayHi')
assert p.respondsTo('sayHiTo', String)
assert !p.respondsTo('goodbye')
assert p.hasProperty('age')
assert !p.hasProperty('country')
Check for methods and properties
class Person {
String name
Integer age
String sayHi() {
"Hi, my name is ${name} and I'm ${age}"
}
String sayHiTo(String name) {
"Hi ${name}, how are you?"
}
}

60. Check for methods and properties
class Person {
String name
Integer age
String sayHi() {
"Hi, my name is ${name} and I'm ${age}"
}
String sayHiTo(String name) {
"Hi ${name}, how are you?"
}
}
def p = new Person(name: 'Iván', age: 36)
assert p.respondsTo('sayHi')
assert p.respondsTo('sayHiTo', String)
assert !p.respondsTo('goodbye')
assert p.hasProperty('age')
assert !p.hasProperty('country')

61. Check for methods and properties
class Person {
String name
Integer age
String sayHi() {
"Hi, my name is ${name} and I'm ${age}"
}
String sayHiTo(String name) {
"Hi ${name}, how are you?"
}
}
def p = new Person(name: 'Iván', age: 36)
assert p.respondsTo('sayHi')
assert p.respondsTo('sayHiTo', String)
assert !p.respondsTo('goodbye')
assert p.hasProperty('age')
assert !p.hasProperty('country')

62. MethodMissing example
▷ Requirements:
– Send notifications to users by different
channels
– +50 notifications
– Not all notifications by all channels
– Extensible and open to future
modifications

63. MethodMissing example
abstract class Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) { }
void sendNewMessage(String username, String msg) { }
...
}
class EmailChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {
println "Sending email notification to '${username}' for new follower '${follower}'"
}
void sendNewMessage(String username, String msg) {
println "Sending email notification to '${username}' for new message '${msg}'"
}
}
class MobilePushChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {
println "Sending mobile push notification to '${username}' for new follower '${follower}'"
}
}

64. MethodMissing example
abstract class Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) { }
void sendNewMessage(String username, String msg) { }
...
}
class EmailChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {
println "Sending email notification to '${username}' for new follower '${follower}'"
}
void sendNewMessage(String username, String msg) {
println "Sending email notification to '${username}' for new message '${msg}'"
}
}
class MobilePushChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {
println "Sending mobile push notification to '${username}' for new follower '${follower}'"
}
}

65. MethodMissing example
abstract class Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) { }
void sendNewMessage(String username, String msg) { }
...
}
class EmailChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {
println "Sending email notification to '${username}' for new follower '${follower}'"
}
void sendNewMessage(String username, String msg) {
println "Sending email notification to '${username}' for new message '${msg}'"
}
}
class MobilePushChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {
println "Sending mobile push notification to '${username}' for new follower '${follower}'"
}
}

66. MethodMissing example
abstract class Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) { }
void sendNewMessage(String username, String msg) { }
...
}
class EmailChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {
println "Sending email notification to '${username}' for new follower '${follower}'"
}
void sendNewMessage(String username, String msg) {
println "Sending email notification to '${username}' for new message '${msg}'"
}
}
class MobilePushChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {
println "Sending mobile push notification to '${username}' for new follower '${follower}'"
}
}

67. MethodMissing example
class NotificationService {
List channels = []
def methodMissing(String name, args) {
System.out.println "...methodMissing called for ${name} with args ${args}"
// Generate the implementation
def implementation = { Object[] methodArgs ->
channels.each { channel ->
def metaMethod = channel.metaClass.getMetaMethod(name, methodArgs)
return metaMethod.invoke(channel, methodArgs)
}
}
// Cache the implementation in the metaClass
NotificationService instance = this
instance.metaClass."$name" = implementation
// Execute it!
implementation(args)
}
}

68. MethodMissing example
class NotificationService {
List channels = []
def methodMissing(String name, args) {
System.out.println "...methodMissing called for ${name} with args ${args}"
// Generate the implementation
def implementation = { Object[] methodArgs ->
channels.each { channel ->
def metaMethod = channel.metaClass.getMetaMethod(name, methodArgs)
return metaMethod.invoke(channel, methodArgs)
}
}
// Cache the implementation in the metaClass
NotificationService instance = this
instance.metaClass."$name" = implementation
// Execute it!
implementation(args)
}
}

69. MethodMissing example
class NotificationService {
List channels = []
def methodMissing(String name, args) {
System.out.println "...methodMissing called for ${name} with args ${args}"
// Generate the implementation
def implementation = { Object[] methodArgs ->
channels.each { channel ->
def metaMethod = channel.metaClass.getMetaMethod(name, methodArgs)
return metaMethod.invoke(channel, methodArgs)
}
}
// Cache the implementation in the metaClass
NotificationService instance = this
instance.metaClass."$name" = implementation
// Execute it!
implementation(args)
}
}
notificationService.sendNewFollower(...)
notificationService.sendNewMessage(...)

70. MethodMissing example
class NotificationService {
List channels = []
def methodMissing(String name, args) {
System.out.println "...methodMissing called for ${name} with args ${args}"
// Generate the implementation
def implementation = { Object[] methodArgs ->
channels.each { channel ->
def metaMethod = channel.metaClass.getMetaMethod(name, methodArgs)
return metaMethod.invoke(channel, methodArgs)
}
}
// Cache the implementation in the metaClass
NotificationService instance = this
instance.metaClass."$name" = implementation
// Execute it!
implementation(args)
}
}

71. MethodMissing example
class NotificationService {
List channels = []
def methodMissing(String name, args) {
System.out.println "...methodMissing called for ${name} with args ${args}"
// Generate the implementation
def implementation = { Object[] methodArgs ->
channels.each { channel ->
def metaMethod = channel.metaClass.getMetaMethod(name, methodArgs)
return metaMethod.invoke(channel, methodArgs)
}
}
// Cache the implementation in the metaClass
NotificationService instance = this
instance.metaClass."$name" = implementation
// Execute it!
implementation(args)
}
}

72. MethodMissing example
// Execution
...methodMissing called for sendNewFollower with args [John, Peter]
Sending email notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending mobile push notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending email notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
Sending mobile push notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
...methodMissing called for sendNewMessage with args [Iván, Hello!]
Sending email notification to 'Iván' for new message 'Hello!'
def notificationService = new NotificationService(
channels: [new EmailChannel(), new MobilePushChannel()]
)
assert !notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("John", "Peter")
assert notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("Mary", "Steve")
notificationService.sendNewMessage("Iván", "Hello!")

73. MethodMissing example
// Execution
...methodMissing called for sendNewFollower with args [John, Peter]
Sending email notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending mobile push notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending email notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
Sending mobile push notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
...methodMissing called for sendNewMessage with args [Iván, Hello!]
Sending email notification to 'Iván' for new message 'Hello!'
def notificationService = new NotificationService(
channels: [new EmailChannel(), new MobilePushChannel()]
)
assert !notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("John", "Peter")
assert notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("Mary", "Steve")
notificationService.sendNewMessage("Iván", "Hello!")

74. MethodMissing example
// Execution
...methodMissing called for sendNewFollower with args [John, Peter]
Sending email notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending mobile push notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending email notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
Sending mobile push notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
...methodMissing called for sendNewMessage with args [Iván, Hello!]
Sending email notification to 'Iván' for new message 'Hello!'
def notificationService = new NotificationService(
channels: [new EmailChannel(), new MobilePushChannel()]
)
assert !notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("John", "Peter")
assert notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("Mary", "Steve")
notificationService.sendNewMessage("Iván", "Hello!")

75. MethodMissing example
// Execution
...methodMissing called for sendNewFollower with args [John, Peter]
Sending email notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending mobile push notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending email notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
Sending mobile push notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
...methodMissing called for sendNewMessage with args [Iván, Hello!]
Sending email notification to 'Iván' for new message 'Hello!'
def notificationService = new NotificationService(
channels: [new EmailChannel(), new MobilePushChannel()]
)
assert !notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("John", "Peter")
assert notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("Mary", "Steve")
notificationService.sendNewMessage("Iván", "Hello!")

76. MethodMissing example
// Execution
...methodMissing called for sendNewFollower with args [John, Peter]
Sending email notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending mobile push notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending email notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
Sending mobile push notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
...methodMissing called for sendNewMessage with args [Iván, Hello!]
Sending email notification to 'Iván' for new message 'Hello!'
def notificationService = new NotificationService(
channels: [new EmailChannel(), new MobilePushChannel()]
)
assert !notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("John", "Peter")
assert notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("Mary", "Steve")
notificationService.sendNewMessage("Iván", "Hello!")class EmailChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {…}
void sendNewMessage(String username, String msg) {…}
}
class MobilePushChannel extends Channel {
void sendNewFollower(String username, String follower) {…}
}

77. MethodMissing example
// Execution
...methodMissing called for sendNewFollower with args [John, Peter]
Sending email notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending mobile push notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending email notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
Sending mobile push notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
...methodMissing called for sendNewMessage with args [Iván, Hello!]
Sending email notification to 'Iván' for new message 'Hello!'
def notificationService = new NotificationService(
channels: [new EmailChannel(), new MobilePushChannel()]
)
assert !notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("John", "Peter")
assert notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("Mary", "Steve")
notificationService.sendNewMessage("Iván", "Hello!")

78. MethodMissing example
// Execution
...methodMissing called for sendNewFollower with args [John, Peter]
Sending email notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending mobile push notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending email notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
Sending mobile push notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
...methodMissing called for sendNewMessage with args [Iván, Hello!]
Sending email notification to 'Iván' for new message 'Hello!'
def notificationService = new NotificationService(
channels: [new EmailChannel(), new MobilePushChannel()]
)
assert !notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("John", "Peter")
assert notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("Mary", "Steve")
notificationService.sendNewMessage("Iván", "Hello!")

79. MethodMissing example
def notificationService = new NotificationService(
channels: [new EmailChannel(), new MobilePushChannel()]
)
assert !notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("John", "Peter")
assert notificationService.respondsTo('sendNewFollower', String, String)
notificationService.sendNewFollower("Mary", "Steve")
notificationService.sendNewMessage("Iván", "Hello!")
// Execution
...methodMissing called for sendNewFollower with args [John, Peter]
Sending email notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending mobile push notification to 'John' for new follower 'Peter'
Sending email notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
Sending mobile push notification to 'Mary' for new follower 'Steve'
...methodMissing called for sendNewMessage with args [Iván, Hello!]
Sending email notification to 'Iván' for new message 'Hello!'

80. 2.
Compile-time
metaprogramming

81. Compile-time metaprogramming
▷ Advance feature
▷ Analyze/modify program structure at
compile time
▷ Cross-cutting features
▷ Write code that generates bytecode

82. AST and compilation
▷ AST: Abstract Syntax Tree
▷ AST modified during compilation
▷ Hook into the phases
▷ Initialization, Parsing, Conversion,
Semantic analysis, Canonicalization,
Instruction selection, Class
generation, Output, Finalization

83. Global AST
transformations

84. Global AST Transformations
▷ No annotation
▷ Meta-information file
▷ Applied to all code during compilation
▷ Any compilation phase

85. Local AST
transformations

86. Local AST Transformations
▷ Annotate code
▷ No meta-information file
▷ Easy to debug

87. Steps to create local AST
Interface AST Enjoy!

88. Local AST example
package demo
import ...
@Retention(RetentionPolicy.SOURCE)
@Target([ElementType.TYPE])
@GroovyASTTransformationClass("demo.VersionASTTransformation")
@interface Version {
String value()
}
class VersionedClass {
public static final String VERSION = "1.0"
}
import demo.Version
@Version('1.0')
class VersionedClass {
}

89. Local AST example
class VersionedClass {
public static final String VERSION = "1.0"
}
package demo
import ...
@Retention(RetentionPolicy.SOURCE)
@Target([ElementType.TYPE])
@GroovyASTTransformationClass("demo.VersionASTTransformation")
@interface Version {
String value()
}
import demo.Version
@Version('1.0')
class VersionedClass {
}

90. Local AST example
class VersionedClass {
public static final String VERSION = "1.0"
}
package demo
import ...
@Retention(RetentionPolicy.SOURCE)
@Target([ElementType.TYPE])
@GroovyASTTransformationClass("demo.VersionASTTransformation")
@interface Version {
String value()
}
import demo.Version
@Version('1.0')
class VersionedClass {
}

91. Local AST example
@GroovyASTTransformation(phase = CompilePhase.SEMANTIC_ANALYSIS)
class VersionASTTransformation extends AbstractASTTransformation {
@Override
public void visit(final ASTNode[] nodes, final SourceUnit source) {
if (nodes.length != 2) {
return
}
if (nodes[0] instanceof AnnotationNode && nodes[1] instanceof ClassNode) {
def annotation = nodes[0]
def version = annotation.getMember('value')
if (version instanceof ConstantExpression) {
nodes[1].addField('VERSION', ACC_PUBLIC | ACC_STATIC | ACC_FINAL,
ClassHelper.STRING_TYPE, version)
} else {
source.addError(new SyntaxException("Invalid value for annotation", annotation.lineNumber,
annotation.columnNumber))
}
}
}
}

92. Local AST example
@GroovyASTTransformation(phase = CompilePhase.SEMANTIC_ANALYSIS)
class VersionASTTransformation extends AbstractASTTransformation {
@Override
public void visit(final ASTNode[] nodes, final SourceUnit source) {
if (nodes.length != 2) {
return
}
if (nodes[0] instanceof AnnotationNode && nodes[1] instanceof ClassNode) {
def annotation = nodes[0]
def version = annotation.getMember('value')
if (version instanceof ConstantExpression) {
nodes[1].addField('VERSION', ACC_PUBLIC | ACC_STATIC | ACC_FINAL,
ClassHelper.STRING_TYPE, version)
} else {
source.addError(new SyntaxException("Invalid value for annotation", annotation.lineNumber,
annotation.columnNumber))
}
}
}
}

93. Local AST example
// Execute with:
// gradle build
// groovy -cp build/libs/add-version-1.0.jar LocalASTExample.groovy
import demo.Version
@Version('1.0')
class VersionedClass {
}
println VersionedClass.VERSION
// Execution
1.0

94. Local AST example
// Execute with:
// gradle build
// groovy -cp build/libs/add-version-1.0.jar LocalASTExample.groovy
import demo.Version
@Version('1.0')
class VersionedClass {
}
println VersionedClass.VERSION
// Execution
1.0

95. Local AST example
// Execute with:
// gradle build
// groovy -cp build/libs/add-version-1.0.jar LocalASTExample.groovy
import demo.Version
@Version('1.0')
class VersionedClass {
}
println VersionedClass.VERSION
// Execution
1.0

96. 3.
Why we should use
metaprogramming?

97. Let’s review some concepts
Metaprogramming
out-of-the box
Easy and very
powerful
Write better code
Add behaviour
easily
Take advantage of
this power
Because Groovy,
it's groovy

98. With great power
comes great
responsibility

99. Thanks!
Any questions?
@ilopmar
lopez.ivan@gmail.com
https://github.com/ilopmar
Iván López
http://bit.ly/metaprog-groovy