16.62. Implementing a Repository Source

Perhaps the most important class that makes up a connector is the implementation of the RepositorySource . This class is analogous to JDBC's DataSource in that it is instantiated to represent a single instance of a system that will be accessed, and it contains enough information (in the form of JavaBean properties) so that it can create connections to the source.

Why is the RepositorySource implementation a JavaBean? Well, this is the class that is instantiated, usually reflectively, and so a no-arg constructor is required. Using JavaBean properties makes it possible to reflect upon the object's class to determine the properties that can be set (using setters) and read (using getters). This means that an administrative application can instantiate, configure, and manage the objects that represent the actual sources, without having to know anything about the actual implementation.

So, your connector will need a public class that implements RepositorySource and provides JavaBean properties for any kind of inputs or options required to establish a connection to and interact with the underlying source. Most of the semantics of the class are defined by the RepositorySource and inherited interface.