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 * This code is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
 * ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or
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package sun.management.counter;

The base class for a performance counter.
Author:
  Brian Doherty/**
 * The base class for a performance counter.
 *
 * @author   Brian Doherty
 */
public interface Counter extends java.io.Serializable {

    
Returns the name of this performance counter
/**
     * Returns the name of this performance counter
     */
    public String getName();

    
Returns the Units for this performance counter
/**
     * Returns the Units for this performance counter
     */
    public Units getUnits();

    
Returns the Variability for this performance counter
/**
     * Returns the Variability for this performance counter
     */
    public Variability getVariability();

    
Returns true if this performance counter is a vector
/**
     * Returns true if this performance counter is a vector
     */
    public boolean isVector();

    
Returns the length of the vector
/**
     * Returns the length of the vector
     */
    public int getVectorLength();

    
Returns an Object that encapsulates the data value of this counter
/**
     * Returns an Object that encapsulates the data value of this counter
     */
    public Object getValue();

    
Returns true if this counter is an internal counter. /**
     * Returns {@code true} if this counter is an internal counter.
     */
    public boolean isInternal();

    
Return the flags associated with the counter.
/**
     * Return the flags associated with the counter.
     */
    public int getFlags();
}