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Extract Interface from Class

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description Extract Interface from Class Overview

A specialized version of Extract Type, this tool specifically targets extracting the *public contract* of a class into an interface. It analyzes which methods are called externally versus which are internal implementation details, guiding the developer to define the minimal necessary public API contract. This is the safest way to prepare a class for dependency inversion.

help Extract Interface from Class FAQ

What does the Extract Interface refactoring do?

It creates an interface from the public contract of an existing class. The developer can select externally useful methods while leaving internal implementation details in the original class.

Which JetBrains IDE feature provides Extract Interface?

Extract Interface is a native refactoring associated especially with Java development in JetBrains IDEs such as IntelliJ IDEA. The available options depend on the language and the class selected.

How does Extract Interface decide which methods belong in the interface?

The refactoring analyzes the class structure and lets the developer choose methods that define the externally visible contract. Private implementation helpers normally do not belong in the resulting interface.

What is the difference between Extract Interface and Extract Superclass?

Extract Interface creates a contract that multiple classes can implement, while Extract Superclass creates a shared class hierarchy that can contain implementation and state. Interfaces are usually better when the goal is substitutability without forcing shared inheritance.

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