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3.6. Array Mapping

As of 2.2, array fields of any attached object are updated transparently, provided that the array is written/read from a class marked with @Replicable. If this is the case, only the indexes of the array that are modified are replicated. However, if the array is passed externally to a class that is not marked as @Replicable, then the changes will not be noticed. For this reason, it is recommended to abstract access to the array where possible (i.e. setItem(item, index)). If an external, non-replicable class needs access to the array, then it is recommended to pass a copy, and add a method to the container object that reapplies the changes. Also, due to JVM limitations, an array can not be monitored if it is directly attached to the cache (i.e. a first class object). POJO Cache still allows this, but they are treated as a serializable type. As with other serializable type, they must be reattached after every change.

The following code snippet illustrates accessing a replicated array through abstraction:

@Replicable public class Team
{
   private String[] members = new String[10];

   public String getMember(int index)
   {
      return members[index];
   }

   public void setMember(int index, String member)
   {
      members[index] = member;
   }
}
   
public class SomeExternalClass
{
   ...
   public void someMethod() 
   {
     Team team = new Team(); 
     cache.attach("/team/1", team);
     
     team.setMember(0, "John");
     team.setMember(1, "Joe");
   }
}