package org.bukkit.configuration.serialization;

import java.util.Map;

/**
 * Represents an object that may be serialized.
 * <p />
 * These objects MUST implement one of the following, in addition to the methods
 * as defined by this interface:
 * <ul>
 * <li>A static method "deserialize" that accepts a single {@link Map}&lt;{@link String}, {@link Object}>
 * and returns the class.</li>
 * <li>A static method "valueOf" that accepts a single {@link Map}&lt;{@link String}, {@link Object}>
 * and returns the class.</li>
 * <li>A constructor that accepts a single {@link Map}&lt;{@link String}, {@link Object}>.</li>
 * </ul>
 * In addition to implementing this interface, you must register the class with
 * {@link ConfigurationSerialization#registerClass(Class)}.
 * @see DelegateDeserialization
 * @see SerializableAs
 */
public interface ConfigurationSerializable {
    /**
     * Creates a Map representation of this class.
     * <p />
     * This class must provide a method to restore this class, as defined in the
     * {@link ConfigurationSerializable} interface javadocs.
     *
     * @return Map containing the current state of this class
     */
    public Map<String, Object> serialize();
}