Annotation Type Autowired

@Retention(CLASS) @Target({CONSTRUCTOR,METHOD,FIELD}) public @interface Autowired

Asks the build to inject this constructor, field or setter.

A class with exactly one public constructor does not need the annotation on it -- that constructor is used -- which is Spring's rule too. A field or a setter does: the build injects members only when asked.

A private field is fine. The build adds a setter to the compiled class for the generated entry point to call, because there is no reflection to reach it with. A final field cannot be injected at all, and is refused.

  • Optional Element Summary

    Optional Elements
    Modifier and Type
    Optional Element
    Description
    boolean
    required
    Whether a bean must exist.

  • Element Details

    • required

      boolean required
      Whether a bean must exist. When false and there is none, the field keeps its initial value, the setter is not called, and a constructor parameter receives null.
      Default:
      true