Applying diff to objects (patching)

[MarcelHeckel]

Hi, I'm looking for a framework to apply diffs of objects (aka patch). The use case it to send diffs of objects to a remote instance.
I already had a look at javers.org, but they state that they do not plan to implement this.
javers/javers#343

Now I had a look at your (well structured) code and test cases, but could also not something like a patch mechanism. Is it already possible or do you plan it?

[ssaarela]

Patching objects is not supported at the moment. The basic idea is to create snapshot objects as that is the safest option. In general, there are some changes that simply cannot be applied on an existing object, e.g. type of an object (class) or final fields (without removing final modifier via reflection -hack), that are perfectly ok when creating a new object.

Having said that, I find patching an intriguing challenge and I'll definitely have to think about it more. Maybe there's a way to support some basic use cases with disclaimers like "assuming source is not changed between when patch is made and when it's applied" and "no illegal changes are made." But don't hold your breath ;)

[marcospassos]

We have the same use case here. It would be nice to have such a feature.