package interface (BC-DWB-TOO)

Component of a package that exposes its repository objects for use by other packagesEach package interface is itself a repository object and can be transported independently of its package.A package can contain multiple package interfaces, each with a different name. If necessary, multiple package interfaces can be grouped under one name in package interface lists. The exposed objects of a package interface normally come from the defining package or have been propagated upwards from one of its subpackages. A repository object can be exposed on different package interfaces of a package. A distinction is made between closed and non-closed package interfaces depending on whether the entire definition environment of each repository object is also to be exposed on the package interface.The potential client packages are specified implicitly or, in special cases, are listed in an access control list on the package interface of the server package. The way in which an exposed repository object can be used by repository objects of other packages can be defined in greater detail by means of usage types.In the case of package enhancements, the package interfaces of an enhancement append package can include repository objects from both the enhancement append package and the enhanced package.