Using JAXB to pass subclass instances as superclass

Question

What I have is a set of Java classes (close to 25) representing message types. They all inherit from a Message class which I\'d like to be abstract. Each message type adds

Answer 1

Have you tried adding the following to your message class? The @XmlSeeAlso annotation will let the JAXBContext know about the subclasses.

import javax.xml.bind.annotation.XmlRootElement;
import javax.xml.bind.annotation.XmlSeeAlso;

@XmlRootElement
@XmlSeeAlso(RegMessage.class)
public abstract class Message {

    Integer id;

}

Alternate Strategy:

Here is a link to a strategy I have helped people use:

• http://bdoughan.blogspot.com/2010/08/using-xmlanyelement-to-build-generic.html

Essentially you have one message object, and multiple individual message payloads. The relationship between the message and payload is handled through a @XmlAnyElement annotation.

Note on Transaction Handling

I noticed that you are handling your own transactions. Have you considered implementing your JAX-RS service as a session bean and leverage JTA for your transaction handling? For an example see:

• http://bdoughan.blogspot.com/2010/08/creating-restful-web-service-part-45.html