package geniusweb.party;

import geniusweb.actions.Action;
import geniusweb.connection.Connectable;
import geniusweb.party.inform.Inform;

/**
 * This is a interface definition for java-based party implementations that are
 * to be run on the PartiesServer.
 * 
 * To implement a party to run on the PartiesServer, you must implement this and
 * also have a 0-arg constructor. Also we strongly recommend not to use any
 * static code blocks or do anything serious in the constructor. Instances of
 * your class may also be created only to call the getCapabilities function.
 * 
 * <p>
 * Technical details: normally a Party will be spawned inside a PartiesFactory,
 * and incoming/outgoing calls are routed through a websocket there.
 * 
 */
public interface Party extends Connectable<Inform, Action> {

	/**
	 * @return the capabilities of this party.
	 */
	Capabilities getCapabilities();

	/**
	 * 
	 * @return some useful short description, eg "tit-for-tat with bayesian
	 *         opponent modeling".
	 */
	String getDescription();

	/**
	 * When this is called, the party should free up its resources and terminate
	 * its threads. This call may come in at any time, eg when a negotiation is
	 * aborted.
	 */
	void terminate();
}