How to �extend� a JAVA class array?

Question

Hi,
I would like to do the following :
// I know this is not possible
public class MyModel extends JTextField [] [] {
     class body, behaves as a JTextField array
public class MyAppUsingMyModel {
     MyModel myMod01 = new MyModel (int01, int02);
} instead of
public class MyAppUsingAnArray {
     JTextField [] [] myod01 = new JTextField (int01, int02);
} Reason:
The application programmer doesn�t need to know the real model structure
I�d like to change MyModel.java later on when there will be new needs, but don�t change the API
I am looking for a kiss solution (keep it simple and stupid), so no academic thing like e.g. a factory pattern.
Is there a (general) simple solution I was too blind to recognize?
Thanks
Michel

Answer 1

1) The "factory" pattern is very much not some academic notion!
2) The way you're currently doing it is preferable. Google "favour composition over inheritance" for more information
Basically, the fact that there is an array of (for instance) JComponents is an implementation detail, keep it hidden. Best thing is to write the class (or even an interface) that exposes exactly the methods you think you need, and use whatever you need underneath to make them work