Mirror (programming)


In computer programming, a mirror is a reflection mechanism that is completely decoupled from the object whose structure is being introspected. This is as opposed to traditional reflection, for example in Java, where one introspects an object using methods from the object itself.
Mirrors adhere to the qualities of encapsulation, stratification and ontological correspondence.

Benefits

Decoupling the reflection mechanism from the objects themselves allows for a few benefits: