Module java.base
Package java.lang.annotation

Annotation Type Retention

  • @Documented
@Retention(RUNTIME)
@Target(ANNOTATION_TYPE)
public @interface Retention
    Indicates how long annotations with the annotated type are to be retained. If no Retention annotation is present on an annotation type declaration, the retention policy defaults to RetentionPolicy.CLASS.

    A Retention meta-annotation has effect only if the meta-annotated type is used directly for annotation. It has no effect if the meta-annotated type is used as a member type in another annotation type.

    Since:
    1.5
    See The Java™ Language Specification:
    9.6.4.2 @Retention

    • Required Element Summary

      Required Elements 
      Modifier and Type Required Element Description
      RetentionPolicy value
      Returns the retention policy.

    • Element Detail

      • value

        RetentionPolicy value
        Returns the retention policy.
        Returns:
        the retention policy