Java/JAXB: Unmarshall Xml to specific subclass based on an attribute

Question

Is it possible to use JAXB to unmarshall xml to a specific Java class based on an attribute of the xml?

Answer 1

No, I'm afraid that's not an option, JAXB isn't that flexible.

The best I can suggest is that you put a method on the Shape class which instantiates the "correct" type based on the attribute. The client code would invoke that factory method to obtain it.

Best I can come up with, sorry.