The getSuperClass() API for java interfaces.

[BowenZhang-UST]

📝 Overall Description

Currently a java interface in Tai-e is represented as a JClass whose API isInterface() returns true.

However, for those "root" interfaces without a super interface (e.g. java.io.Serializable), its getSuperClass() returns java.lang.Object. May I ask if this is an intentional design (i.e. we use isInterface() && getSuperClass().getName() == "java.lang.Object" to check that a JClass is a "root" interface)?

Thanks,

🎯 Expected Behavior

For this kind of interface, getSuperClass() returns null.

🐛 Current Behavior

getSuperClass() actually returns JClass java.lang.Object .

🔄 Reproducible Example

No response

⚙️ Tai-e Arguments

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📜 Tai-e Log

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ℹ️ Additional Information

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[jjppp]

Hi @BowenZhang-UST!
The behavior of Tai-e on getSuperClass() is designed by purpose, to support analyses for not only source code, but also JVM compatible bytecode programs.

According to JVMS:

• For an interface, the value of the super_class ... must be a CONSTANT_Class_info structure representing the class Object. see here for more info.

According to JLS, although a root interface does not extends Object:

• Object is a supertype of any root interface, see here
• All public methods declared in Object are also declared in every root interface, see here

[BowenZhang-UST]

@jjppp Thank you for the comprehensive explanation! This design is very meaningful for future compatibility with other JVM languages.