/**
 * Redistribution and use of this software and associated documentation
 * ("Software"), with or without modification, are permitted provided
 * that the following conditions are met:
 *
 * 1. Redistributions of source code must retain copyright
 *    statements and notices.  Redistributions must also contain a
 *    copy of this document.
 *
 * 2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the
 *    above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the
 *    following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other
 *    materials provided with the distribution.
 *
 * 3. The name "Exolab" must not be used to endorse or promote
 *    products derived from this Software without prior written
 *    permission of Exoffice Technologies.  For written permission,
 *    please contact info@exolab.org.
 *
 * 4. Products derived from this Software may not be called "Exolab"
 *    nor may "Exolab" appear in their names without prior written
 *    permission of Exoffice Technologies. Exolab is a registered
 *    trademark of Exoffice Technologies.
 *
 * 5. Due credit should be given to the Exolab Project
 *    (http://www.exolab.org/).
 *
 * THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY EXOFFICE TECHNOLOGIES AND CONTRIBUTORS
 * ``AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT
 * NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
 * FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED.  IN NO EVENT SHALL
 * EXOFFICE TECHNOLOGIES OR ITS CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,
 * INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
 * (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR
 * SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION)
 * HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT,
 * STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
 * ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED
 * OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 *
 * Copyright 1999 (C) Exoffice Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 *
 */

/*
 * The Original Code is org.exolab.castor.mapping.
 * This code has been repackaged for Osage
 */
package org.jdbf.castor;


/**
 * Interface for a type convertor. A type convertor converts a Java
 * object from one type to another. A type convertor implementation is
 * required for each type of conversion.
 *
 * @author <a href="arkin@exoffice.com">Assaf Arkin</a>
 * @version $Id: TypeConvertor.java,v 1.1 2003/04/09 22:07:39 gmartone Exp $ $Date: 2003/04/09 22:07:39 $
 *
 */
public interface TypeConvertor{


    /**
     * Convert the object from one type to another.
     *
     * @param object The object to convert
     * @param param The parameter for the convertor (null if is not specified)
     * @return The converted object
     * @throws ClassCastException The object is not of the type
     *  supported by this convertor
     */
    public Object convert( Object object, String param )
        throws ClassCastException;

}
