Annotation Interface Target

@Documented @Retention(RUNTIME) @Target(ANNOTATION_TYPE) public @interface Target
Indicates the contexts in which an annotation interface is applicable. The declaration contexts and type contexts in which an annotation interface may be applicable are specified in JLS , and denoted in source code by enum constants of java.lang.annotation.ElementType.

If an @Target meta-annotation is not present on an annotation interface T, then an annotation of type T may be written as a modifier for any declaration.

If an @Target meta-annotation is present, the compiler will enforce the usage restrictions indicated by ElementType enum constants, in line with JLS .

For example, this @Target meta-annotation indicates that the declared interface is itself a meta-annotation interface. It can only be used on annotation interface declarations: 

   @Target(ElementType.ANNOTATION_TYPE)
   public @interface MetaAnnotationType {
       ...
   }

This @Target meta-annotation indicates that the declared class or interface is intended solely for use as a member class or interface in complex annotation interface declarations. It cannot be used to annotate anything directly: 

   @Target({})
   public @interface MemberInterface {
       ...
   }

It is a compile-time error for a single ElementType constant to appear more than once in an @Target annotation. For example, the following @Target meta-annotation is illegal: 

   @Target({ElementType.FIELD, ElementType.METHOD, ElementType.FIELD})
   public @interface Bogus {
       ...
   }
Since:
1.5

  • Required Element Summary

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

  • Element Details

    • value

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