groovy.lang

## Class DelegatingMetaClass

- java.lang.Object
- - groovy.lang.DelegatingMetaClass

All Implemented Interfaces:
  GroovyObject, MetaClass, MetaObjectProtocol, MutableMetaClass

Direct Known Subclasses:
  HandleMetaClass, OwnedMetaClass

    public class DelegatingMetaClass
    extends Object
    implements MetaClass, MutableMetaClass, GroovyObject

Author:
  John Wilson

### Field Summary

Fields
`protected MetaClass` `delegate`

### Constructor Summary

Constructors
Constructor and Description
`DelegatingMetaClass(Class theClass)`
`DelegatingMetaClass(MetaClass delegate)`

### Method Summary

Methods
`void` `addMetaBeanProperty(MetaBeanProperty metaBeanProperty)` Adds a new MetaBeanProperty to the MetaClass
`void` `addMetaMethod(MetaMethod metaMethod)` Adds a new MetaMethod to the MetaClass
`void` `addNewInstanceMethod(Method method)` adds a new instance method to this MetaClass.
`void` `addNewStaticMethod(Method method)` adds a new static method to this MetaClass.
`boolean` `equals(Object obj)`
`MetaClass` `getAdaptee()`
`Object` `getAttribute(Class sender, Object receiver, String messageName, boolean useSuper)` Retrieves the value of an attribute (field).
`Object` `getAttribute(Object object, String attribute)` Retrieves an attribute of an instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method.
`ClassNode` `getClassNode()` Obtains a reference to the original AST for the MetaClass if it is available at runtime
`MetaClass` `getMetaClass()` Returns the metaclass for a given class.
`MetaMethod` `getMetaMethod(String name, Object[] args)` Retrieves an instance MetaMethod for the given name and argument values, using the types of the argument values to establish the chosen MetaMethod
`List<MetaMethod>` `getMetaMethods()` Retrieves a list of MetaMethods held by this class
`MetaProperty` `getMetaProperty(String name)` Returns a MetaProperty for the given name or null if it doesn't exist
`List<MetaMethod>` `getMethods()` Retrieves a list of MetaMethods held by the class
`List<MetaProperty>` `getProperties()` Retrieves a list of MetaProperty instances that the MetaClass has
`Object` `getProperty(Class sender, Object receiver, String messageName, boolean useSuper, boolean fromInsideClass)` Retrieves a property on the given receiver for the specified arguments.
`Object` `getProperty(Object object, String property)` Retrieves a property of an instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method.
`Object` `getProperty(String property)` Retrieves a property value.
`MetaMethod` `getStaticMetaMethod(String name, Class[] argTypes)`
`MetaMethod` `getStaticMetaMethod(String name, Object[] args)` Retreives a static MetaMethod for the given name and argument values, using the types of the arguments to establish the chosen MetaMethod
`Class` `getTheClass()` Retrieves that Java Class that the attached Meta behaviours apply to
`int` `hashCode()`
`MetaProperty` `hasProperty(Object obj, String name)` Returns true of the implementing MetaClass has a property of the given name Note that this method will only return true for realised properties and does not take into account implementation of getProperty or propertyMissing
`void` `initialize()` complete the initialisation process.
`Object` `invokeConstructor(Object[] arguments)` Invokes a constructor for the given arguments.
`Object` `invokeMethod(Class sender, Object receiver, String methodName, Object[] arguments, boolean isCallToSuper, boolean fromInsideClass)` Invokes a method on the given receiver for the specified arguments.
`Object` `invokeMethod(Object object, String methodName, Object arguments)` Invokes a method on the given object, with the given name and single argument.
`Object` `invokeMethod(Object object, String methodName, Object[] arguments)` Invokes a method on the given Object with the given name and arguments.
`Object` `invokeMethod(String name, Object args)` Invokes the given method.
`Object` `invokeMissingMethod(Object instance, String methodName, Object[] arguments)` Attempts to invoke the methodMissing method otherwise throws a MissingMethodException
`Object` `invokeMissingProperty(Object instance, String propertyName, Object optionalValue, boolean isGetter)` Invokes the propertyMissing method otherwise throws a MissingPropertyException
`Object` `invokeStaticMethod(Object object, String methodName, Object[] arguments)` Invokes a static method on the given Object with the given name and arguments.
`boolean` `isGroovyObject()`
`boolean` `isModified()` Return whether the MetaClass has been modified or not
`MetaMethod` `pickMethod(String methodName, Class[] arguments)` Deprecated.
`List<MetaMethod>` `respondsTo(Object obj, String name)` Returns an object satisfying Groovy truth if the implementing MetaClass responds to a method with the given name regardless of arguments.
`List<MetaMethod>` `respondsTo(Object obj, String name, Object[] argTypes)` Returns an object satisfying Groovy truth if the implementing MetaClass responds to a method with the given name and arguments types.
`int` `selectConstructorAndTransformArguments(int numberOfConstructors, Object[] arguments)` Internal method to support Groovy runtime.
`void` `setAdaptee(MetaClass adaptee)`
`void` `setAttribute(Class sender, Object receiver, String messageName, Object messageValue, boolean useSuper, boolean fromInsideClass)` Sets the value of an attribute (field).
`void` `setAttribute(Object object, String attribute, Object newValue)` Sets an attribute of an instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method.
`void` `setMetaClass(MetaClass metaClass)` Allows the MetaClass to be replaced with a derived implementation.
`void` `setProperty(Class sender, Object receiver, String messageName, Object messageValue, boolean useSuper, boolean fromInsideClass)` Retrieves a property on the given receiver for the specified arguments.
`void` `setProperty(Object object, String property, Object newValue)` Sets a property of an instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method.
`void` `setProperty(String property, Object newValue)` Sets the given property to the new value.
`String` `toString()`

### Methods inherited from class java.lang.Object

`clone, finalize, getClass, notify, notifyAll, wait, wait, wait`

### Field Detail

#### delegate

    protected MetaClass delegate

### Constructor Detail

#### DelegatingMetaClass

    public DelegatingMetaClass(MetaClass delegate)

#### DelegatingMetaClass

    public DelegatingMetaClass(Class theClass)

### Method Detail

#### isModified

    public boolean isModified()

Description copied from interface: `MutableMetaClass`
Return whether the MetaClass has been modified or not

Specified by:
  `isModified` in interface `MutableMetaClass`
Returns:
  True if it has

#### addNewInstanceMethod

    public void addNewInstanceMethod(Method method)

Description copied from interface: `MutableMetaClass`
adds a new instance method to this MetaClass. Instance methods are able to overwrite the original methods of the class. Calling this method should not be done after initialise was called.

Specified by:
  `addNewInstanceMethod` in interface `MutableMetaClass`
Parameters:
  `method` - the method to be added

#### addNewStaticMethod

    public void addNewStaticMethod(Method method)

Description copied from interface: `MutableMetaClass`
adds a new static method to this MetaClass. This is only possible as long as initialise was not called.

Specified by:
  `addNewStaticMethod` in interface `MutableMetaClass`
Parameters:
  `method` - the method to be added

#### addMetaMethod

    public void addMetaMethod(MetaMethod metaMethod)

Description copied from interface: `MutableMetaClass`
Adds a new MetaMethod to the MetaClass

Specified by:
  `addMetaMethod` in interface `MutableMetaClass`
Parameters:
  `metaMethod` - The MetaMethod to add

#### addMetaBeanProperty

    public void addMetaBeanProperty(MetaBeanProperty metaBeanProperty)

Description copied from interface: `MutableMetaClass`
Adds a new MetaBeanProperty to the MetaClass

Specified by:
  `addMetaBeanProperty` in interface `MutableMetaClass`
Parameters:
  `metaBeanProperty` - The MetaBeanProperty instance

#### initialize

    public void initialize()

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
complete the initialisation process. After this method is called no methods should be added to the meta class. Invocation of methods or access to fields/properties is forbidden unless this method is called. This method should contain any initialisation code, taking a longer time to complete. An example is the creation of the Reflector. It is suggested to synchronize this method.

Specified by:
  `initialize` in interface `MetaClass`

#### getAttribute

    public Object getAttribute(Object object,
                      String attribute)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Retrieves an attribute of an instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method.

What this means is largely down to the MetaClass implementation, however the default case would result in attempt to read a field of the instance.

Specified by:
  `getAttribute` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `object` - An instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method
  `attribute` - The name of the attribute to retrieve the value for
Returns:
  The attribute value
See Also:
  `MetaClassImpl`

#### getClassNode

    public ClassNode getClassNode()

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
Obtains a reference to the original AST for the MetaClass if it is available at runtime

Specified by:
  `getClassNode` in interface `MetaClass`
Returns:
  The original AST or null if it cannot be returned

#### getMetaMethods

    public List<MetaMethod> getMetaMethods()

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
Retrieves a list of MetaMethods held by this class

Specified by:
  `getMetaMethods` in interface `MetaClass`
Returns:
  A list of MetaMethods

#### getMethods

    public List<MetaMethod> getMethods()

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
Retrieves a list of MetaMethods held by the class

Specified by:
  `getMethods` in interface `MetaClass`
Specified by:
  `getMethods` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Returns:
  A list of MetaMethods
See Also:
  `MetaMethod`

#### respondsTo

    public List<MetaMethod> respondsTo(Object obj,
                              String name,
                              Object[] argTypes)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Returns an object satisfying Groovy truth if the implementing MetaClass responds to a method with the given name and arguments types.

Note that this method's return value is based on realised methods and does not take into account objects or classes that implement invokeMethod or methodMissing

This method is "safe" in that it will always return a value and never throw an exception

Specified by:
  `respondsTo` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `obj` - The object to inspect
  `name` - The name of the method of interest
  `argTypes` - The argument types to match against
Returns:
  A List of MetaMethods matching the argument types which will be empty if no matching methods exist

#### respondsTo

    public List<MetaMethod> respondsTo(Object obj,
                              String name)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Returns an object satisfying Groovy truth if the implementing MetaClass responds to a method with the given name regardless of arguments. In other words this method will return for foo() and foo(String).

Note that this method's return value is based on realised methods and does not take into account objects or classes that implement invokeMethod or methodMissing

This method is "safe" in that it will always return a value and never throw an exception

Specified by:
  `respondsTo` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `obj` - The object to inspect
  `name` - The name of the method of interest
Returns:
  A List of MetaMethods which will be empty if no methods with the given name exist

#### hasProperty

    public MetaProperty hasProperty(Object obj,
                           String name)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Returns true of the implementing MetaClass has a property of the given name

Note that this method will only return true for realised properties and does not take into account implementation of getProperty or propertyMissing

Specified by:
  `hasProperty` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `obj` - The object to inspect
  `name` - The name of the property
Returns:
  The MetaProperty or null if it doesn't exist

#### getProperties

    public List<MetaProperty> getProperties()

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
Retrieves a list of MetaProperty instances that the MetaClass has

Specified by:
  `getProperties` in interface `MetaClass`
Specified by:
  `getProperties` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Returns:
  A list of MetaProperty instances
See Also:
  `MetaProperty`

#### getProperty

    public Object getProperty(Object object,
                     String property)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Retrieves a property of an instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method.

What this means is largely down to the MetaClass implementation, however the default case would result in an attempt to invoke a JavaBean getter, or if no such getter exists a public field of the instance.

Specified by:
  `getProperty` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `object` - An instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method
  `property` - The name of the property to retrieve the value for
Returns:
  The properties value
See Also:
  `MetaClassImpl`

#### invokeConstructor

    public Object invokeConstructor(Object[] arguments)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`
Invokes a constructor for the given arguments. The MetaClass will attempt to pick the best argument which matches the types of the objects passed within the arguments array

Specified by:
  `invokeConstructor` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `arguments` - The arguments to the constructor
Returns:
  An instance of the java.lang.Class that this MetaObjectProtocol object applies to

#### invokeMethod

    public Object invokeMethod(Object object,
                      String methodName,
                      Object arguments)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Invokes a method on the given object, with the given name and single argument.

Specified by:
  `invokeMethod` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `object` - The Object to invoke the method on
  `methodName` - The name of the method
  `arguments` - The argument to the method
Returns:
  The return value of the method which is null if the return type is void
See Also:
  `MetaObjectProtocol.invokeMethod(Object, String, Object[])`

#### invokeMethod

    public Object invokeMethod(Object object,
                      String methodName,
                      Object[] arguments)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Invokes a method on the given Object with the given name and arguments. The MetaClass will attempt to pick the best method for the given name and arguments. If a method cannot be invoked a MissingMethodException will be thrown.

Specified by:
  `invokeMethod` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `object` - The instance which the method is invoked on
  `methodName` - The name of the method
  `arguments` - The arguments to the method
Returns:
  The return value of the method which is null if the return type is void
See Also:
  `MissingMethodException`

#### invokeStaticMethod

    public Object invokeStaticMethod(Object object,
                            String methodName,
                            Object[] arguments)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Invokes a static method on the given Object with the given name and arguments.

The Object can either be an instance of the class that this MetaObjectProtocol instance applies to or the java.lang.Class instance itself. If a method cannot be invoked a MissingMethodException is will be thrown

Specified by:
  `invokeStaticMethod` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `object` - An instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method or the class itself
  `methodName` - The name of the method
  `arguments` - The arguments to the method
Returns:
  The return value of the method which is null if the return type is void
See Also:
  `MissingMethodException`

#### setAttribute

    public void setAttribute(Object object,
                    String attribute,
                    Object newValue)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Sets an attribute of an instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method.

What this means is largely down to the MetaClass implementation, however the default case would result in an attempt to set a field of the instance.

Specified by:
  `setAttribute` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `object` - An instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method
  `attribute` - The name of the attribute to set
  `newValue` - The new value of the attribute
See Also:
  `MetaClassImpl`

#### setProperty

    public void setProperty(Object object,
                   String property,
                   Object newValue)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`

Sets a property of an instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method.

What this means is largely down to the MetaClass implementation, however the default case would result in an attempt to invoke a JavaBean setter, or if no such setter exists to set a public field of the instance.

Specified by:
  `setProperty` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `object` - An instance of the class returned by the getTheClass() method
  `property` - The name of the property to set
  `newValue` - The new value of the property
See Also:
  `MetaClassImpl`

#### equals

    public boolean equals(Object obj)

Overrides:
  `equals` in class `Object`

#### hashCode

    public int hashCode()

Overrides:
  `hashCode` in class `Object`

#### toString

    public String toString()

Overrides:
  `toString` in class `Object`

#### pickMethod

    public MetaMethod pickMethod(String methodName,
                        Class[] arguments)

Deprecated.
Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
Selects a method by name and argument classes. This method does not search for an exact match, it searches for a compatible method. For this the method selection mechanism is used as provided by the implementation of this MetaClass. pickMethod may or may not be used during the method selection process when invoking a method. There is no warranty for that.

Specified by:
  `pickMethod` in interface `MetaClass`
Parameters:
  `methodName` - the name of the method to pick
  `arguments` - the method arguments
Returns:
  a matching MetaMethod or null

#### getAttribute

    public Object getAttribute(Class sender,
                      Object receiver,
                      String messageName,
                      boolean useSuper)

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
Retrieves the value of an attribute (field). This method is to support the Groovy runtime and not for general client API usage.

Specified by:
  `getAttribute` in interface `MetaClass`
Parameters:
  `sender` - The class of the object that requested the attribute
  `receiver` - The instance
  `messageName` - The name of the attribute
  `useSuper` - Whether to look-up on the super class or not
Returns:
  The attribute value

#### getProperty

    public Object getProperty(Class sender,
                     Object receiver,
                     String messageName,
                     boolean useSuper,
                     boolean fromInsideClass)

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`

Retrieves a property on the given receiver for the specified arguments. The sender is the class that is requesting the property from the object. The MetaClass will attempt to establish the method to invoke based on the name and arguments provided.

The isCallToSuper and fromInsideClass help the Groovy runtime perform optimisations on the call to go directly to the super class if necessary

Specified by:
  `getProperty` in interface `MetaClass`
Parameters:
  `sender` - The java.lang.Class instance that requested the property
  `receiver` - The Object which the property is being retrieved from
  `messageName` - The name of the property
  `useSuper` - Whether the call is to a super class property
  `fromInsideClass` - ??
Returns:
  The properties value

#### getMetaProperty

    public MetaProperty getMetaProperty(String name)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`
Returns a MetaProperty for the given name or null if it doesn't exist

Specified by:
  `getMetaProperty` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `name` - The name of the MetaProperty
Returns:
  A MetaProperty or null

#### getStaticMetaMethod

    public MetaMethod getStaticMetaMethod(String name,
                                 Object[] args)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`
Retreives a static MetaMethod for the given name and argument values, using the types of the arguments to establish the chosen MetaMethod

Specified by:
  `getStaticMetaMethod` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `name` - The name of the MetaMethod
  `args` - The argument types
Returns:
  A MetaMethod or null if it doesn't exist

#### getStaticMetaMethod

    public MetaMethod getStaticMetaMethod(String name,
                                 Class[] argTypes)

#### getMetaMethod

    public MetaMethod getMetaMethod(String name,
                           Object[] args)

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`
Retrieves an instance MetaMethod for the given name and argument values, using the types of the argument values to establish the chosen MetaMethod

Specified by:
  `getMetaMethod` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Parameters:
  `name` - The name of the MetaMethod
  `args` - The argument types
Returns:
  A MetaMethod or null if it doesn't exist

#### getTheClass

    public Class getTheClass()

Description copied from interface: `MetaObjectProtocol`
Retrieves that Java Class that the attached Meta behaviours apply to

Specified by:
  `getTheClass` in interface `MetaObjectProtocol`
Returns:
  The java.lang.Class instance

#### invokeMethod

    public Object invokeMethod(Class sender,
                      Object receiver,
                      String methodName,
                      Object[] arguments,
                      boolean isCallToSuper,
                      boolean fromInsideClass)

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`

Invokes a method on the given receiver for the specified arguments. The sender is the class that invoked the method on the object. The MetaClass will attempt to establish the method to invoke based on the name and arguments provided.

The isCallToSuper and fromInsideClass help the Groovy runtime perform optimisations on the call to go directly to the super class if necessary

Specified by:
  `invokeMethod` in interface `MetaClass`
Parameters:
  `sender` - The java.lang.Class instance that invoked the method
  `receiver` - The object which the method was invoked on
  `methodName` - The name of the method
  `arguments` - The arguments to the method
  `isCallToSuper` - Whether the method is a call to a super class method
  `fromInsideClass` - Whether the call was invoked from the inside or the outside of the class
Returns:
  The return value of the method

#### invokeMissingMethod

    public Object invokeMissingMethod(Object instance,
                             String methodName,
                             Object[] arguments)

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`

Attempts to invoke the methodMissing method otherwise throws a MissingMethodException

Specified by:
  `invokeMissingMethod` in interface `MetaClass`
Parameters:
  `instance` - The instance to invoke methodMissing on
  `methodName` - The name of the method
  `arguments` - The arguments to the method
Returns:
  The results of methodMissing or throws MissingMethodException
See Also:
  `MissingMethodException`

#### invokeMissingProperty

    public Object invokeMissingProperty(Object instance,
                               String propertyName,
                               Object optionalValue,
                               boolean isGetter)

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
Invokes the propertyMissing method otherwise throws a MissingPropertyException

Specified by:
  `invokeMissingProperty` in interface `MetaClass`
Parameters:
  `instance` - The instance of the class
  `propertyName` - The name of the property
  `optionalValue` - The value of the property which could be null in the case of a getter
  `isGetter` - Whether the missing property event was the result of a getter or a setter
Returns:
  The result of the propertyMissing method or throws MissingPropertyException

#### isGroovyObject

    public boolean isGroovyObject()

#### setAttribute

    public void setAttribute(Class sender,
                    Object receiver,
                    String messageName,
                    Object messageValue,
                    boolean useSuper,
                    boolean fromInsideClass)

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
Sets the value of an attribute (field). This method is to support the Groovy runtime and not for general client API usage.

Specified by:
  `setAttribute` in interface `MetaClass`
Parameters:
  `sender` - The class of the object that requested the attribute
  `receiver` - The instance
  `messageName` - The name of the attribute
  `messageValue` - The value of the attribute
  `useSuper` - Whether to look-up on the super class or not
  `fromInsideClass` - Whether the call happened from the inside or the outside of a class

#### setProperty

    public void setProperty(Class sender,
                   Object receiver,
                   String messageName,
                   Object messageValue,
                   boolean useSuper,
                   boolean fromInsideClass)

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`

Retrieves a property on the given receiver for the specified arguments. The sender is the class that is requesting the property from the object. The MetaClass will attempt to establish the method to invoke based on the name and arguments provided.

The isCallToSuper and fromInsideClass help the Groovy runtime perform optimisations on the call to go directly to the super class if necessary

Specified by:
  `setProperty` in interface `MetaClass`
Parameters:
  `sender` - The java.lang.Class instance that is mutating the property
  `receiver` - The Object which the property is being set on
  `messageName` - The name of the property
  `messageValue` - The new value of the property to set
  `useSuper` - Whether the call is to a super class property
  `fromInsideClass` - ??

#### selectConstructorAndTransformArguments

    public int selectConstructorAndTransformArguments(int numberOfConstructors,
                                             Object[] arguments)

Description copied from interface: `MetaClass`
Internal method to support Groovy runtime. Not for client usage.

Specified by:
  `selectConstructorAndTransformArguments` in interface `MetaClass`
Parameters:
  `numberOfConstructors` - The number of constructors
  `arguments` - The arguments
Returns:
  selected index

#### setAdaptee

    public void setAdaptee(MetaClass adaptee)

#### getAdaptee

    public MetaClass getAdaptee()

#### invokeMethod

    public Object invokeMethod(String name,
                      Object args)

Description copied from interface: `GroovyObject`
Invokes the given method.

Specified by:
  `invokeMethod` in interface `GroovyObject`
Parameters:
  `name` - the name of the method to call
  `args` - the arguments to use for the method call
Returns:
  the result of invoking the method

#### getProperty

    public Object getProperty(String property)

Description copied from interface: `GroovyObject`
Retrieves a property value.

Specified by:
  `getProperty` in interface `GroovyObject`
Parameters:
  `property` - the name of the property of interest
Returns:
  the given property

#### setProperty

    public void setProperty(String property,
                   Object newValue)

Description copied from interface: `GroovyObject`
Sets the given property to the new value.

Specified by:
  `setProperty` in interface `GroovyObject`
Parameters:
  `property` - the name of the property of interest
  `newValue` - the new value for the property

#### getMetaClass

    public MetaClass getMetaClass()

Description copied from interface: `GroovyObject`
Returns the metaclass for a given class.

Specified by:
  `getMetaClass` in interface `GroovyObject`
Returns:
  the metaClass of this instance

#### setMetaClass

    public void setMetaClass(MetaClass metaClass)

Description copied from interface: `GroovyObject`
Allows the MetaClass to be replaced with a derived implementation.

Specified by:
  `setMetaClass` in interface `GroovyObject`
Parameters:
  `metaClass` - the new metaclass