Hi there

I am currently using Hibernate Validator 4.0.2.GA, to validate my entities.

My problem is that I have class Parent which superclasses Child. When getValue() is called on the Parent object I want to ensure that the value returned in not null. I override getValue() on Child class, with the intention that getValue() on this method is not subject to same validation as the parent class method (i.e. it can return null). Unfortunately even though I override the method in a subclass, it still seems to be subject the validation defined on the parent method I am overriding. Is there anyway to get around this, via configuration for example, or is this just the want the tool/language/specification works?

Example code here:

public class Parent {

protected String value;

@NotNull
public String getValue() {
return value;
}

public void setValue(String value) {
this.value = value;
}
}

public class Child extends Parent {

@Override
public String getValue() {
return value;
}
}

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

Pat

That's correct. Constraints are per spec inherited from super to sub class. Also constraints placed on implemented interfaces are validated.


No, currently there is no such thing. This thread is relevant to your question - viewtopic.php?f=26&t=985463

If you think this feature should be included in the next version of the Bean Validation spec you can create an jira issue in BVAL and/or create a feature request in Hibernate Validator HV.

--Hardy