Annotation Type Target


  • @Documented
    @Retention(RUNTIME)
    @Target(ANNOTATION_TYPE)
    public @interface Target
    Indicates the kinds of program element to which an annotation type is applicable. If a Target meta-annotation is not present on an annotation type declaration, the declared type may be used on any program element. If such a meta-annotation is present, the compiler will enforce the specified usage restriction. For example, this meta-annotation indicates that the declared type is itself a meta-annotation type. It can only be used on annotation type declarations:
        @Target(ElementType.ANNOTATION_TYPE)
        public @interface MetaAnnotationType {
            ...
        }
     
    This meta-annotation indicates that the declared type is intended solely for use as a member type in complex annotation type declarations. It cannot be used to annotate anything directly:
        @Target({})
        public @interface MemberType {
            ...
        }
     
    It is a compile-time error for a single ElementType constant to appear more than once in a Target annotation. For example, the following meta-annotation is illegal:
        @Target({ElementType.FIELD, ElementType.METHOD, ElementType.FIELD})
        public @interface Bogus {
            ...
        }
     
    • Required Element Summary

      Required Elements 
      Modifier and Type Required Element Description
      ElementType[] value
      Returns an array of the kinds of elements an annotation type can be applied to.
    • Element Detail

      • value

        ElementType[] value
        Returns an array of the kinds of elements an annotation type can be applied to.
        Returns:
        an array of the kinds of elements an annotation type can be applied to