How to call Java function from string stored in a Variable
Possible Duplicate:
Calling a method named “string” at runtime in Java and C
I need to be able to call a function, but the function name is stored in a variable, is this possible. e.g:
public void foo ()
{
//code here
}
public void bar ()
{
//code here
}
String functionName = "foo";
// i need to call the function based on what is functionName
Anyhelp would be great, thanks
Answer
Yes, you can, using reflection. However, consider also Effective Java 2nd Edition, Item 53: Prefer interfaces to reflection. If at all possible, use interfaces instead. Reflection is rarely truly needed in general application code.