Lets get rid of clone()

Question

I just want to spread the word, that I have added an RFE (request for enhancement) to the java bug database requesting an alternative to the Object.clone() method which, as we all know, forces you to catch CloneNotSupportedException each and everytime you want to clone an object.
If you would like the way we clone instances in Java to improve, I hope you will read the following bug report; the bug database allows you to vote for a bug to be fixed, so here is your chance:
http://bugs.sun.com/bugdatabase/view_bug.do?bug_id=5101827
Yours
Randahl

Answer 1

The Object.clone() method is protected.
This means that in order to have a public clone method, you have to override the Object.clone() method.
When overriding methods, you can loosen access restrictions.
I am sure you all are aware of this. Now here is something that I don't think the OP is aware of:
When overriding methods, you DO NOT have to throw the same exceptions as the method you are overriding. A properly implemented public clone method does not throw any exceptions.
Example:
public class MyClass extends Object {
    public Object clone() {
        try {
            return super.clone();
        catch (CloneNotSupportedException cnse) {
            throw new RuntimeException(cnse);  //This can never happen.
}Now, users of this class can call clone on MyClass instances without having to catch any exceptions. The problem you are complaining about is not due to a problem with clone, it is due to programmers that don't know what they are doing.