CMR & remote interface blues

I have just spent a while scratching my head on CMR & Local interfaces,
initially not knowing that CMR methods should use local interfaces. Partly
because WL6.1 works without complaining with CMR & remote interfaces as long
as they are 1:1....and partly because I'm sure that a previous version of
mastering EJB II (downloadable at theserverside) did not mention local
interfaces with CMR at all!

Now, I downloaded the PDF again and checked that there is a info box about
the subject (either a new one, or one that I missed previously). It goes to
explain:

"A common theme throughout this book has been to always use local interfaces
when possible. This is especially true for entity beans, and has a big
impact on relationships.

Specifically, if you decide for some bizarre reason to use remote interfaces
with entity beans, then

- You must not expose get/set methods for relationship fields to remote
clients. Doing so creates problems because, for example, the client does not
have access to the container-implemented collection interface.

- Your entity bean can only have unidirectional relationships with other
entity beans. The lack of local interface prevents other entity beans from
having relationship with you. "

OK, the information may be there, but why not state it as clearly as
O'reilly's book for example:

"It is important to understand that although entity beans may have both
local and remote interfaces, a CMR field can use only the enity bean's local
interface when persisting a relationship."

Also, the fact that the examples contain methods that at least look exactly
like they would operate on remote interfaces

public abstract Order getOrder();
public abstract void setOrder(Order order);

is bound to confuse the reader.

Just had to rant.

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