/*
 *  Licensed to the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) under one
 *  or more contributor license agreements.  See the NOTICE file
 *  distributed with this work for additional information
 *  regarding copyright ownership.  The ASF licenses this file
 *  to you under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the
 *  "License"); you may not use this file except in compliance
 *  with the License.  You may obtain a copy of the License at
 *
 *    http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
 *
 *  Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing,
 *  software distributed under the License is distributed on an
 *  "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY
 *  KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 *  specific language governing permissions and limitations
 *  under the License.
 *
 */
package org.apache.mina.core.buffer;

import java.io.IOException;
import java.io.InputStream;
import java.io.OutputStream;
import java.nio.BufferOverflowException;
import java.nio.ByteBuffer;
import java.nio.ByteOrder;
import java.nio.CharBuffer;
import java.nio.DoubleBuffer;
import java.nio.FloatBuffer;
import java.nio.IntBuffer;
import java.nio.LongBuffer;
import java.nio.ShortBuffer;
import java.nio.charset.CharacterCodingException;
import java.nio.charset.CharsetDecoder;
import java.nio.charset.CharsetEncoder;
import java.util.EnumSet;
import java.util.Set;

import org.apache.mina.core.session.IoSession;

/**
 * A byte buffer used by MINA applications.
 * <p>
 * This is a replacement for {@link ByteBuffer}. Please refer to
 * {@link ByteBuffer} documentation for preliminary usage. MINA does not use NIO
 * {@link ByteBuffer} directly for two reasons:
 * <ul>
 *   <li>It doesn't provide useful getters and putters such as <code>fill</code>,
 *       <code>get/putString</code>, and <code>get/putAsciiInt()</code> enough.</li>
 *   <li>It is difficult to write variable-length data due to its fixed capacity</li>
 * </ul>
 * 
 * <h2>Allocation</h2>
 * <p>
 *   You can allocate a new heap buffer.
 * 
 *   <pre>
 *     IoBuffer buf = IoBuffer.allocate(1024, false);
 *   </pre>
 * 
 *   You can also allocate a new direct buffer:
 * 
 *   <pre>
 *     IoBuffer buf = IoBuffer.allocate(1024, true);
 *   </pre>
 * 
 *   or you can set the default buffer type.
 * 
 *   <pre>
 *     // Allocate heap buffer by default.
 *     IoBuffer.setUseDirectBuffer(false);
 * 
 *     // A new heap buffer is returned.
 *     IoBuffer buf = IoBuffer.allocate(1024);
 *   </pre>
 * 
 * <h2>Wrapping existing NIO buffers and arrays</h2>
 * <p>
 *   This class provides a few {@code wrap(...)} methods that wraps any NIO
 *   buffers and byte arrays.
 * 
 * <h2>AutoExpand</h2>
 * <p>
 *   Writing variable-length data using NIO {@code ByteBuffers} is not really
 *   easy, and it is because its size is fixed at allocation. {@link IoBuffer} introduces
 *   the {@code autoExpand} property. If {@code autoExpand} property is set to true, 
 *   you never get a {@link BufferOverflowException} or
 *   an {@link IndexOutOfBoundsException} (except when index is negative). It
 *   automatically expands its capacity. For instance:
 * 
 *   <pre>
 *     String greeting = messageBundle.getMessage(&quot;hello&quot;);
 *     IoBuffer buf = IoBuffer.allocate(16);
 *     // Turn on autoExpand (it is off by default)
 *     buf.setAutoExpand(true);
 *     buf.putString(greeting, utf8encoder);
 *   </pre>
 * 
 *   The underlying {@link ByteBuffer} is reallocated by {@link IoBuffer} behind
 *   the scene if the encoded data is larger than 16 bytes in the example above.
 *   Its capacity will double, and its limit will increase to the last position
 *   the string is written.
 * 
 * <h2>AutoShrink</h2>
 * <p>
 *   You might also want to decrease the capacity of the buffer when most of the
 *   allocated memory area is not being used. {@link IoBuffer} provides
 *   {@code autoShrink} property to take care of this issue. If
 *   {@code autoShrink} is turned on, {@link IoBuffer} halves the capacity of the
 *   buffer when {@link #compact()} is invoked and only 1/4 or less of the current
 *   capacity is being used.
 * <p>
 *   You can also call the {@link #shrink()} method manually to shrink the capacity of the
 *   buffer.
 * <p>
 *   The underlying {@link ByteBuffer} is reallocated by the {@link IoBuffer} behind
 *   the scene, and therefore {@link #buf()} will return a different
 *   {@link ByteBuffer} instance once capacity changes. Please also note
 *   that the {@link #compact()} method or the {@link #shrink()} method
 *   will not decrease the capacity if the new capacity is less than the 
 *   {@link #minimumCapacity()} of the buffer.
 * 
 * <h2>Derived Buffers</h2>
 * <p>
 *   Derived buffers are the buffers which were created by the {@link #duplicate()},
 *   {@link #slice()}, or {@link #asReadOnlyBuffer()} methods. They are useful especially
 *   when you broadcast the same messages to multiple {@link IoSession}s. Please
 *   note that the buffer derived from and its derived buffers are not 
 *   auto-expandable nor auto-shrinkable. Trying to call
 *   {@link #setAutoExpand(boolean)} or {@link #setAutoShrink(boolean)} with
 *   {@code true} parameter will raise an {@link IllegalStateException}.
 * 
 * <h2>Changing Buffer Allocation Policy</h2>
 * <p>
 *   The {@link IoBufferAllocator} interface lets you override the default buffer
 *   management behavior. There are two allocators provided out-of-the-box:
 *   <ul>
 *     <li>{@link SimpleBufferAllocator} (default)</li>
 *     <li>{@link CachedBufferAllocator}</li>
 *   </ul>
 *   You can implement your own allocator and use it by calling
 *   {@link #setAllocator(IoBufferAllocator)}.
 * 
 * @author <a href="http://mina.apache.org">Apache MINA Project</a>
 */
public abstract class IoBuffer implements Comparable<IoBuffer> {
    /** The allocator used to create new buffers */
    private static IoBufferAllocator allocator = new SimpleBufferAllocator();

    /** A flag indicating which type of buffer we are using : heap or direct */
    private static boolean useDirectBuffer = false;

    /**
     * Creates a new instance. This is an empty constructor. It's protected, 
     * to forbid its usage by the users.
     */
    protected IoBuffer() {
        // Do nothing
    }

    /**
     * @return the allocator used by existing and new buffers
     */
    public static IoBufferAllocator getAllocator() {
        return allocator;
    }

    /**
     * Sets the allocator used by existing and new buffers
     * 
     * @param newAllocator the new allocator to use
     */
    public static void setAllocator(IoBufferAllocator newAllocator) {
        if (newAllocator == null) {
            throw new IllegalArgumentException("allocator");
        }

        IoBufferAllocator oldAllocator = allocator;

        allocator = newAllocator;

        if (null != oldAllocator) {
            oldAllocator.dispose();
        }
    }

    /**
     * @return {@code true} if and only if a direct buffer is allocated by
     * default when the type of the new buffer is not specified. The default
     * value is {@code false}.
     */
    public static boolean isUseDirectBuffer() {
        return useDirectBuffer;
    }

    /**
     * Sets if a direct buffer should be allocated by default when the type of
     * the new buffer is not specified. The default value is {@code false}.
     * 
     * @param useDirectBuffer Tells if direct buffers should be allocated
     */
    public static void setUseDirectBuffer(boolean useDirectBuffer) {
        IoBuffer.useDirectBuffer = useDirectBuffer;
    }

    /**
     * Returns the direct or heap buffer which is capable to store the specified
     * amount of bytes.
     * 
     * @param capacity the capacity of the buffer
     * @return a IoBuffer which can hold up to capacity bytes
     * 
     * @see #setUseDirectBuffer(boolean)
     */
    public static IoBuffer allocate(int capacity) {
        return allocate(capacity, useDirectBuffer);
    }

    /**
     * Returns a direct or heap IoBuffer which can contain the specified number of bytes.
     * 
     * @param capacity the capacity of the buffer
     * @param useDirectBuffer {@code true} to get a direct buffer, {@code false} to get a
     *            heap buffer.
     * @return a direct or heap  IoBuffer which can hold up to capacity bytes
     */
    public static IoBuffer allocate(int capacity, boolean useDirectBuffer) {
        if (capacity < 0) {
            throw new IllegalArgumentException("capacity: " + capacity);
        }

        return allocator.allocate(capacity, useDirectBuffer);
    }

    /**
     * Wraps the specified NIO {@link ByteBuffer} into a MINA buffer (either direct or heap).
     * 
     * @param nioBuffer The {@link ByteBuffer} to wrap
     * @return a IoBuffer containing the bytes stored in the {@link ByteBuffer}
     */
    public static IoBuffer wrap(ByteBuffer nioBuffer) {
        return allocator.wrap(nioBuffer);
    }

    /**
     * Wraps the specified byte array into a MINA heap buffer. Note that
     * the byte array is not copied, so any modification done on it will
     * be visible by both sides.
     * 
     * @param byteArray The byte array to wrap
     * @return a heap IoBuffer containing the byte array
     */
    public static IoBuffer wrap(byte[] byteArray) {
        return wrap(ByteBuffer.wrap(byteArray));
    }

    /**
     * Wraps the specified byte array into MINA heap buffer. We just wrap the 
     * bytes starting from offset up to offset + length.  Note that
     * the byte array is not copied, so any modification done on it will
     * be visible by both sides.
     * 
     * @param byteArray The byte array to wrap
     * @param offset The starting point in the byte array
     * @param length The number of bytes to store
     * @return a heap IoBuffer containing the selected part of the byte array
     */
    public static IoBuffer wrap(byte[] byteArray, int offset, int length) {
        return wrap(ByteBuffer.wrap(byteArray, offset, length));
    }

    /**
     * Normalizes the specified capacity of the buffer to power of 2, which is
     * often helpful for optimal memory usage and performance. If it is greater
     * than or equal to {@link Integer#MAX_VALUE}, it returns
     * {@link Integer#MAX_VALUE}. If it is zero, it returns zero.
     * 
     * @param requestedCapacity The IoBuffer capacity we want to be able to store
     * @return The  power of 2 strictly superior to the requested capacity
     */
    protected static int normalizeCapacity(int requestedCapacity) {
        if (requestedCapacity < 0) {
            return Integer.MAX_VALUE;
        }

        int newCapacity = Integer.highestOneBit(requestedCapacity);
        newCapacity <<= (newCapacity < requestedCapacity ? 1 : 0);
        
        return newCapacity < 0 ? Integer.MAX_VALUE : newCapacity;
    }

    /**
     * Declares this buffer and all its derived buffers are not used anymore so
     * that it can be reused by some {@link IoBufferAllocator} implementations.
     * It is not mandatory to call this method, but you might want to invoke
     * this method for maximum performance.
     */
    public abstract void free();

    /**
     * @return the underlying NIO {@link ByteBuffer} instance.
     */
    public abstract ByteBuffer buf();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#isDirect()
     * 
     * @return {@code True} if this is a direct buffer
     */
    public abstract boolean isDirect();

    /**
     * @return {@code true} if and only if this buffer is derived from another
     * buffer via one of the {@link #duplicate()}, {@link #slice()} or
     * {@link #asReadOnlyBuffer()} methods.
     */
    public abstract boolean isDerived();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#isReadOnly()
     * 
     * @return {@code true} if the buffer is readOnly
     */
    public abstract boolean isReadOnly();

    /**
     * @return the minimum capacity of this buffer which is used to determine
     * the new capacity of the buffer shrunk by the {@link #compact()} and
     * {@link #shrink()} operation. The default value is the initial capacity of
     * the buffer.
     */
    public abstract int minimumCapacity();

    /**
     * Sets the minimum capacity of this buffer which is used to determine the
     * new capacity of the buffer shrunk by {@link #compact()} and
     * {@link #shrink()} operation. The default value is the initial capacity of
     * the buffer.
     * 
     * @param minimumCapacity the wanted minimum capacity
     * @return the underlying NIO {@link ByteBuffer} instance.
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer minimumCapacity(int minimumCapacity);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#capacity()
     * 
     * @return the buffer capacity
     */
    public abstract int capacity();

    /**
     * Increases the capacity of this buffer. If the new capacity is less than
     * or equal to the current capacity, this method returns the original buffer. 
     * If the new capacity is greater than the current capacity, the buffer is
     * reallocated while retaining the position, limit, mark and the content of
     * the buffer.
     * <br>
     * Note that the IoBuffer is replaced, it's not copied.
     * <br>
     * Assuming a buffer contains N bytes, its position is 0 and its current capacity is C, 
     * here are the resulting buffer if we set the new capacity to a value V &lt; C and V &gt; C :
     * 
     * <pre>
     *  Initial buffer :
     *   
     *   0       L          C
     *  +--------+----------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX|          |
     *  +--------+----------+
     *   ^       ^          ^
     *   |       |          |
     *  pos    limit     capacity
     *  
     * V &lt;= C :
     * 
     *   0       L          C
     *  +--------+----------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX|          |
     *  +--------+----------+
     *   ^       ^          ^
     *   |       |          |
     *  pos    limit   newCapacity
     *  
     * V &gt; C :
     * 
     *   0       L          C            V
     *  +--------+-----------------------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX|          :            |
     *  +--------+-----------------------+
     *   ^       ^          ^            ^
     *   |       |          |            |
     *  pos    limit   oldCapacity  newCapacity
     *  
     *  The buffer has been increased.
     *  
     * </pre>
     * 
     * @param newCapacity the wanted capacity
     * @return the underlying NIO {@link ByteBuffer} instance.
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer capacity(int newCapacity);

    /**
     * @return {@code true} if and only if {@code sautoExpand} is turned on.
     */
    public abstract boolean isAutoExpand();

    /**
     * Turns on or off {@code autoExpand}.
     * 
     * @param autoExpand The flag value to set
     * @return The modified IoBuffer instance
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer setAutoExpand(boolean autoExpand);

    /**
     * @return {@code true} if and only if {@code autoShrink} is turned on.
     */
    public abstract boolean isAutoShrink();

    /**
     * Turns on or off {@code autoShrink}.
     * 
     * @param autoShrink The flag value to set
     * @return The modified IoBuffer instance
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer setAutoShrink(boolean autoShrink);

    /**
     * Changes the capacity and limit of this buffer so this buffer get the
     * specified {@code expectedRemaining} room from the current position. This
     * method works even if you didn't set {@code autoExpand} to {@code true}.
     * <br>
     * Assuming a buffer contains N bytes, its position is P and its current capacity is C, 
     * here are the resulting buffer if we call the expand method with a expectedRemaining
     * value V :
     * 
     * <pre>
     *  Initial buffer :
     *   
     *   0       L          C
     *  +--------+----------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX|          |
     *  +--------+----------+
     *   ^       ^          ^
     *   |       |          |
     *  pos    limit     capacity
     *  
     * ( pos + V )  &lt;= L, no change :
     * 
     *   0       L          C
     *  +--------+----------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX|          |
     *  +--------+----------+
     *   ^       ^          ^
     *   |       |          |
     *  pos    limit   newCapacity
     *  
     * You can still put ( L - pos ) bytes in the buffer
     *  
     * ( pos + V ) &gt; L &amp; ( pos + V ) &lt;= C :
     * 
     *  0        L          C
     *  +------------+------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX:...|      |
     *  +------------+------+
     *   ^           ^      ^
     *   |           |      |
     *  pos       newlimit  newCapacity
     *  
     *  You can now put ( L - pos + V )  bytes in the buffer.
     *  
     *  
     *  ( pos + V ) &gt; C
     * 
     *   0       L          C
     *  +-------------------+----+
     *  |XXXXXXXX:..........:....|
     *  +------------------------+
     *   ^                       ^
     *   |                       |
     *  pos                      +-- newlimit
     *                           |
     *                           +-- newCapacity
     *                           
     * You can now put ( L - pos + V ) bytes in the buffer, which limit is now
     * equals to the capacity.
     * </pre>
     *
     * Note that the expecting remaining bytes starts at the current position. In all
     * those examples, the position is 0.
     *  
     * @param expectedRemaining The expected remaining bytes in the buffer
     * @return The modified IoBuffer instance
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer expand(int expectedRemaining);

    /**
     * Changes the capacity and limit of this buffer so this buffer get the
     * specified {@code expectedRemaining} room from the specified
     * {@code position}. This method works even if you didn't set
     * {@code autoExpand} to {@code true}.
     * Assuming a buffer contains N bytes, its position is P and its current capacity is C, 
     * here are the resulting buffer if we call the expand method with a expectedRemaining
     * value V :
     * 
     * <pre>
     *  Initial buffer :
     *   
     *      P    L          C
     *  +--------+----------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX|          |
     *  +--------+----------+
     *      ^    ^          ^
     *      |    |          |
     *     pos limit     capacity
     *  
     * ( pos + V )  &lt;= L, no change :
     * 
     *      P    L          C
     *  +--------+----------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX|          |
     *  +--------+----------+
     *      ^    ^          ^
     *      |    |          |
     *     pos limit   newCapacity
     *  
     * You can still put ( L - pos ) bytes in the buffer
     *  
     * ( pos + V ) &gt; L &amp; ( pos + V ) &lt;= C :
     * 
     *      P    L          C
     *  +------------+------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX:...|      |
     *  +------------+------+
     *      ^        ^      ^
     *      |        |      |
     *     pos    newlimit  newCapacity
     *  
     *  You can now put ( L - pos + V)  bytes in the buffer.
     *  
     *  
     *  ( pos + V ) &gt; C
     * 
     *      P       L          C
     *  +-------------------+----+
     *  |XXXXXXXX:..........:....|
     *  +------------------------+
     *      ^                    ^
     *      |                    |
     *     pos                   +-- newlimit
     *                           |
     *                           +-- newCapacity
     *                           
     * You can now put ( L - pos + V ) bytes in the buffer, which limit is now
     * equals to the capacity.
     * </pre>
     *
     * Note that the expecting remaining bytes starts at the current position. In all
     * those examples, the position is P.
     * 
     * @param position The starting position from which we want to define a remaining 
     * number of bytes
     * @param expectedRemaining The expected remaining bytes in the buffer
     * @return The modified IoBuffer instance
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer expand(int position, int expectedRemaining);

    /**
     * Changes the capacity of this buffer so this buffer occupies as less
     * memory as possible while retaining the position, limit and the buffer
     * content between the position and limit. 
     * <br>
     * <b>The capacity of the buffer never becomes less than {@link #minimumCapacity()}</b>
     * <br>. 
     * The mark is discarded once the capacity changes.
     * <br>
     * Typically, a call to this method tries to remove as much unused bytes
     * as possible, dividing by two the initial capacity until it can't without
     * obtaining a new capacity lower than the {@link #minimumCapacity()}. For instance, if 
     * the limit is 7 and the capacity is 36, with a minimum capacity of 8, 
     * shrinking the buffer will left a capacity of 9 (we go down from 36 to 18, then from 18 to 9).  
     * 
     * <pre>
     *  Initial buffer :
     *   
     *  +--------+----------+
     *  |XXXXXXXX|          |
     *  +--------+----------+
     *      ^    ^  ^       ^
     *      |    |  |       |
     *     pos   |  |    capacity
     *           |  |
     *           |  +-- minimumCapacity
     *           |
     *           +-- limit
     * 
     * Resulting buffer :
     * 
     *  +--------+--+-+
     *  |XXXXXXXX|  | |
     *  +--------+--+-+
     *      ^    ^  ^ ^
     *      |    |  | |
     *      |    |  | +-- new capacity
     *      |    |  |
     *     pos   |  +-- minimum capacity
     *           |
     *           +-- limit
     * </pre>
     *           
     * @return The modified IoBuffer instance
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer shrink();

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#position()
     * @return The current position in the buffer
     */
    public abstract int position();

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#position(int)
     * 
     * @param newPosition Sets the new position in the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer position(int newPosition);

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#limit()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
's limit
     */
    public abstract int limit();

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#limit(int)
     * 
     * @param newLimit The new buffer's limit
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer limit(int newLimit);

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#mark()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer mark();

    /**
     * @return the position of the current mark. This method returns {@code -1}
     * if no mark is set.
     */
    public abstract int markValue();

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#reset()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer reset();

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#clear()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer clear();

    /**
     * Clears this buffer and fills its content with {@code NUL}. The position
     * is set to zero, the limit is set to the capacity, and the mark is
     * discarded.
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer sweep();

    /**
     * double Clears this buffer and fills its content with {@code value}. The
     * position is set to zero, the limit is set to the capacity, and the mark
     * is discarded.
     *
     * @param value The value to put in the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer sweep(byte value);

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#flip()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer flip();

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#rewind()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer rewind();

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#remaining()
     * 
     * @return The remaining bytes in the buffer
     */
    public abstract int remaining();

    /**
     * @see java.nio.Buffer#hasRemaining()
     * 
     * @return {@code true} if there are some remaining bytes in the buffer
     */
    public abstract boolean hasRemaining();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#duplicate()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer duplicate();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#slice()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer slice();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#asReadOnlyBuffer()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer asReadOnlyBuffer();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#hasArray()
     * 
     * @return {@code true} if the {@link #array()} method will return a byte[]
     */
    public abstract boolean hasArray();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#array()
     * 
     * @return A byte[] if this IoBuffer supports it
     */
    public abstract byte[] array();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#arrayOffset()
     * 
     * @return The offset in the returned byte[] when the {@link #array()} method is called
     */
    public abstract int arrayOffset();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#get()
     * 
     * @return The byte at the current position
     */
    public abstract byte get();

    /**
     * Reads one unsigned byte as a short integer.
     * 
     * @return the unsigned short at the current position
     */
    public abstract short getUnsigned();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#put(byte)
     * 
     * @param b The byte to put in the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer put(byte b);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#get(int)
     * 
     * @param index The position for which we want to read a byte
     * @return the byte at the given position
     */
    public abstract byte get(int index);

    /**
     * Reads one byte as an unsigned short integer.
     * 
     * @param index The position for which we want to read an unsigned byte
     * @return the unsigned byte at the given position
     */
    public abstract short getUnsigned(int index);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#put(int, byte)
     * 
     * @param index The position where the byte will be put
     * @param b The byte to put
     * @return the modified IoBuffer

     */
    public abstract IoBuffer put(int index, byte b);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#get(byte[], int, int)
     * 
     * @param dst The destination buffer
     * @param offset The position in the original buffer
     * @param length The number of bytes to copy
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer get(byte[] dst, int offset, int length);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#get(byte[])
     *
     * @param dst The byte[] that will contain the read bytes
     * @return the IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer get(byte[] dst);

    /**
     * Get a new IoBuffer containing a slice of the current buffer
     * 
     * @param index The position in the buffer 
     * @param length The number of bytes to copy
     * @return the new IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer getSlice(int index, int length);

    /**
     * Get a new IoBuffer containing a slice of the current buffer
     * 
     * @param length The number of bytes to copy
     * @return the new IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer getSlice(int length);

    /**
     * Writes the content of the specified {@code src} into this buffer.
     * 
     * @param src The source ByteBuffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer put(ByteBuffer src);

    /**
     * Writes the content of the specified {@code src} into this buffer.
     * 
     * @param src The source IoBuffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer put(IoBuffer src);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#put(byte[], int, int)
     * 
     * @param src The byte[] to put
     * @param offset The position in the source
     * @param length The number of bytes to copy
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer put(byte[] src, int offset, int length);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#put(byte[])
     * 
     * @param src The byte[] to put
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer put(byte[] src);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#compact()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer compact();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#order()
     * 
     * @return the IoBuffer ByteOrder
     */
    public abstract ByteOrder order();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#order(ByteOrder)
     * 
     * @param bo The new ByteBuffer to use for this IoBuffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer order(ByteOrder bo);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getChar()
     * 
     * @return The char at the current position
     */
    public abstract char getChar();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putChar(char)
     * 
     * @param value The char to put at the current position
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putChar(char value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getChar(int)
     * 
     * @param index The index in the IoBuffer where we will read a char from
     * @return the char at 'index' position
     */
    public abstract char getChar(int index);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putChar(int, char)
     * 
     * @param index The index in the IoBuffer where we will put a char in
     * @param value The char to put at the current position
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putChar(int index, char value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#asCharBuffer()
     * 
     * @return a new CharBuffer
     */
    public abstract CharBuffer asCharBuffer();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getShort()
     * 
     * @return The read short
     */
    public abstract short getShort();

    /**
     * Reads two bytes unsigned integer.
     * 
     * @return The read unsigned short
     */
    public abstract int getUnsignedShort();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putShort(short)
     * 
     * @param value The short to put at the current position
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putShort(short value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getShort()
     * 
     * @param index The index in the IoBuffer where we will read a short from
     * @return The read short
     */
    public abstract short getShort(int index);

    /**
     * Reads two bytes unsigned integer.
     * 
     * @param index The index in the IoBuffer where we will read an unsigned short from
     * @return the unsigned short at the given position
     */
    public abstract int getUnsignedShort(int index);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putShort(int, short)
     * 
     * @param index The position at which the short should be written
     * @param value The short to put at the current position
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putShort(int index, short value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#asShortBuffer()
     * 
     * @return A ShortBuffer from this IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract ShortBuffer asShortBuffer();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getInt()
     * 
     * @return The int read
     */
    public abstract int getInt();

    /**
     * Reads four bytes unsigned integer.
     * 
     * @return The unsigned int read
     */
    public abstract long getUnsignedInt();

    /**
     * Relative <i>get</i> method for reading a medium int value.
     * 
     * <p>
     * Reads the next three bytes at this buffer's current position, composing
     * them into an int value according to the current byte order, and then
     * increments the position by three.
     * 
     * @return The medium int value at the buffer's current position
     */
    public abstract int getMediumInt();

    /**
     * Relative <i>get</i> method for reading an unsigned medium int value.
     * 
     * <p>
     * Reads the next three bytes at this buffer's current position, composing
     * them into an int value according to the current byte order, and then
     * increments the position by three.
     * 
     * @return The unsigned medium int value at the buffer's current position
     */
    public abstract int getUnsignedMediumInt();

    /**
     * Absolute <i>get</i> method for reading a medium int value.
     * 
     * <p>
     * Reads the next three bytes at this buffer's current position, composing
     * them into an int value according to the current byte order.
     * 
     * @param index The index from which the medium int will be read
     * @return The medium int value at the given index
     * 
     * @throws IndexOutOfBoundsException
     *             If {@code index} is negative or not smaller than the
     *             buffer's limit
     */
    public abstract int getMediumInt(int index);

    /**
     * Absolute <i>get</i> method for reading an unsigned medium int value.
     * 
     * <p>
     * Reads the next three bytes at this buffer's current position, composing
     * them into an int value according to the current byte order.
     * 
     * @param index The index from which the unsigned medium int will be read
     * @return The unsigned medium int value at the given index
     * 
     * @throws IndexOutOfBoundsException
     *             If {@code index} is negative or not smaller than the
     *             buffer's limit
     */
    public abstract int getUnsignedMediumInt(int index);

    /**
     * Relative <i>put</i> method for writing a medium int value.
     * 
     * <p>
     * Writes three bytes containing the given int value, in the current byte
     * order, into this buffer at the current position, and then increments the
     * position by three.
     * 
     * @param value The medium int value to be written
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putMediumInt(int value);

    /**
     * Absolute <i>put</i> method for writing a medium int value.
     * 
     * <p>
     * Writes three bytes containing the given int value, in the current byte
     * order, into this buffer at the given index.
     * 
     * @param index The index at which the bytes will be written
     * 
     * @param value The medium int value to be written
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     * 
     * @throws IndexOutOfBoundsException
     *             If {@code index} is negative or not smaller than the
     *             buffer's limit, minus three
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putMediumInt(int index, int value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putInt(int)
     * 
     * @param value The int to put at the current position
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putInt(int value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned byte into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the byte to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsigned(byte value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned byte into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the byte to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsigned(int index, byte value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned byte into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the short to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsigned(short value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned byte into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the short to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsigned(int index, short value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned byte into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the int to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsigned(int value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned byte into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the int to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsigned(int index, int value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned byte into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the long to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsigned(long value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned byte into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the long to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsigned(int index, long value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned int into the ByteBuffer
     * @param value the byte to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedInt(byte value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned int into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the byte to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedInt(int index, byte value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned int into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the short to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedInt(short value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned int into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the short to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedInt(int index, short value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned int into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the int to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedInt(int value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned int into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the int to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedInt(int index, int value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned int into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the long to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedInt(long value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned int into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the long to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedInt(int index, long value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned short into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the byte to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedShort(byte value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned Short into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the byte to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedShort(int index, byte value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned Short into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the short to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedShort(short value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned Short into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the unsigned short
     * @param value the unsigned short to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedShort(int index, short value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned Short into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the int to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedShort(int value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned Short into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the value
     * @param value the int to write
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedShort(int index, int value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned Short into the ByteBuffer
     * 
     * @param value the long to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedShort(long value);

    /**
     * Writes an unsigned Short into the ByteBuffer at a specified position
     * 
     * @param index the position in the buffer to write the short
     * @param value the long to write
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putUnsignedShort(int index, long value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getInt(int)
     * @param index The index in the IoBuffer where we will read an int from
     * @return the int at the given position
     */
    public abstract int getInt(int index);

    /**
     * Reads four bytes unsigned integer.
     * @param index The index in the IoBuffer where we will read an unsigned int from
     * @return The long at the given position
     */
    public abstract long getUnsignedInt(int index);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putInt(int, int)
     * 
     * @param index The position where to put the int
     * @param value The int to put in the IoBuffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putInt(int index, int value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#asIntBuffer()
     * 
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IntBuffer asIntBuffer();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getLong()
     * 
     * @return The long at the current position
     */
    public abstract long getLong();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putLong(int, long)
     * 
     * @param value The log to put in the IoBuffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putLong(long value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getLong(int)
     * 
     * @param index The index in the IoBuffer where we will read a long from
     * @return the long at the given position
     */
    public abstract long getLong(int index);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putLong(int, long)
     * 
     * @param index The position where to put the long
     * @param value The long to put in the IoBuffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putLong(int index, long value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#asLongBuffer()
     * 
     * @return a LongBuffer from this IoBffer
     */
    public abstract LongBuffer asLongBuffer();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getFloat()
     * 
     * @return the float at the current position
     */
    public abstract float getFloat();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putFloat(float)
     *
     * @param value The float to put in the IoBuffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putFloat(float value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getFloat(int)
     * 
     * @param index The index in the IoBuffer where we will read a float from
     * @return The float at the given position
     */
    public abstract float getFloat(int index);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putFloat(int, float)
     * 
     * @param index The position where to put the float
     * @param value The float to put in the IoBuffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putFloat(int index, float value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#asFloatBuffer()
     * 
     * @return A FloatBuffer from this IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract FloatBuffer asFloatBuffer();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getDouble()
     * 
     * @return the double at the current position
     */
    public abstract double getDouble();

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putDouble(double)
     * 
     * @param value The double to put at the IoBuffer current position
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putDouble(double value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#getDouble(int)
     * 
     * @param index The position where to get the double from
     * @return The double at the given position
     */
    public abstract double getDouble(int index);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#putDouble(int, double)
     * 
     * @param index The position where to put the double
     * @param value The double to put in the IoBuffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putDouble(int index, double value);

    /**
     * @see ByteBuffer#asDoubleBuffer()
     * 
     * @return A buffer containing Double
     */
    public abstract DoubleBuffer asDoubleBuffer();

    /**
     * @return an {@link InputStream} that reads the data from this buffer.
     * {@link InputStream#read()} returns {@code -1} if the buffer position
     * reaches to the limit.
     */
    public abstract InputStream asInputStream();

    /**
     * @return an {@link OutputStream} that appends the data into this buffer.
     * Please note that the {@link OutputStream#write(int)} will throw a
     * {@link BufferOverflowException} instead of an {@link IOException} in case
     * of buffer overflow. Please set {@code autoExpand} property by calling
     * {@link #setAutoExpand(boolean)} to prevent the unexpected runtime
     * exception.
     */
    public abstract OutputStream asOutputStream();

    /**
     * Returns hexdump of this buffer. The data and pointer are not changed as a
     * result of this method call.
     * 
     * @return hexadecimal representation of this buffer
     */
    public String getHexDump() {
        return this.getHexDump(remaining(), false);
    }

    /**
     * Returns hexdump of this buffer. The data and pointer are not changed as a
     * result of this method call.
     * 
     * @param pretty      Produces multi-line pretty hex dumps
     * @return hexadecimal representation of this buffer
     */
    public String getHexDump(boolean pretty) {
        return getHexDump(remaining(), pretty);
    }

    /**
     * Return hexdump of this buffer with limited length.
     * 
     * @param length The maximum number of bytes to dump from the current buffer
     *               position.
     * @return hexidecimal representation of this buffer
     */
    public String getHexDump(int length) {
        return getHexDump(length, false);
    }

    /**
     * Return hexdump of this buffer with limited length.
     * 
     * @param length The maximum number of bytes to dump from the current buffer
     *               position.
     * @param pretty If we should do a pretty  dump 
     * @return hexadecimal representation of this buffer
     */
    public String getHexDump(int length, boolean pretty) {
        return (pretty) ? IoBufferHexDumper.getPrettyHexDumpSlice(this, position(), Math.min(remaining(), length))
            : IoBufferHexDumper.getHexDumpSlice(this, position(), Math.min(remaining(), length));
    }
    
    // //////////////////////////////
    // String getters and putters //
    // //////////////////////////////
    /**
     * Reads a <code>NUL</code>-terminated string from this buffer using the
     * specified <code>decoder</code> and returns it. This method reads until
     * the limit of this buffer if no {@code NUL} is found.
     * 
     * @param decoder The {@link CharsetDecoder} to use
     * @return the read String
     * @exception CharacterCodingException Thrown when an error occurred while decoding the buffer
     */
    public abstract String getString(CharsetDecoder decoder) throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Reads a <code>NUL</code>-terminated string from this buffer using the
     * specified <code>decoder</code> and returns it.
     * 
     * @param fieldSize the maximum number of bytes to read
     * @param decoder The {@link CharsetDecoder} to use
     * @return the read String
     * @exception CharacterCodingException Thrown when an error occurred while decoding the buffer
     */
    public abstract String getString(int fieldSize, CharsetDecoder decoder) throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Writes the content of <code>in</code> into this buffer using the
     * specified <code>encoder</code>. This method doesn't terminate string with
     * {@code NUL}. You have to do it by yourself.
     * 
     * @param val The CharSequence to put in the IoBuffer
     * @param encoder The CharsetEncoder to use
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     * @throws CharacterCodingException When we have an error while decoding the String
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putString(CharSequence val, CharsetEncoder encoder) throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Writes the content of <code>in</code> into this buffer as a
     * <code>NUL</code>-terminated string using the specified
     * <code>encoder</code>.
     * <p>
     * If the charset name of the encoder is UTF-16, you cannot specify odd
     * <code>fieldSize</code>, and this method will append two <code>NUL</code>s
     * as a terminator.
     * <p>
     * Please note that this method doesn't terminate with <code>NUL</code> if
     * the input string is longer than {@code fieldSize}.
     * 
     * @param val The CharSequence to put in the IoBuffer
     * @param fieldSize the maximum number of bytes to write
     * @param encoder The CharsetEncoder to use
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     * @throws CharacterCodingException When we have an error while decoding the String
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putString(CharSequence val, int fieldSize, CharsetEncoder encoder)
            throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Reads a string which has a 16-bit length field before the actual encoded
     * string, using the specified <code>decoder</code> and returns it. This
     * method is a shortcut for {@code getPrefixedString(2, decoder)}.
     * 
     * @param decoder The CharsetDecoder to use
     * @return The read String
     * 
     * @throws CharacterCodingException When we have an error while decoding the String
     */
    public abstract String getPrefixedString(CharsetDecoder decoder) throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Reads a string which has a length field before the actual encoded string,
     * using the specified <code>decoder</code> and returns it.
     * 
     * @param prefixLength the length of the length field (1, 2, or 4)
     * @param decoder The CharsetDecoder to use
     * @return The read String
     * 
     * @throws CharacterCodingException When we have an error while decoding the String
     */
    public abstract String getPrefixedString(int prefixLength, CharsetDecoder decoder) throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Writes the content of <code>in</code> into this buffer as a string which
     * has a 16-bit length field before the actual encoded string, using the
     * specified <code>encoder</code>. This method is a shortcut for
     * {@code putPrefixedString(in, 2, 0, encoder)}.
     * 
     * @param in The CharSequence to put in the IoBuffer
     * @param encoder The CharsetEncoder to use
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     * 
     * @throws CharacterCodingException When we have an error while decoding the CharSequence
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putPrefixedString(CharSequence in, CharsetEncoder encoder) throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Writes the content of <code>in</code> into this buffer as a string which
     * has a 16-bit length field before the actual encoded string, using the
     * specified <code>encoder</code>. This method is a shortcut for
     * {@code putPrefixedString(in, prefixLength, 0, encoder)}.
     * 
     * @param in The CharSequence to put in the IoBuffer
     * @param prefixLength the length of the length field (1, 2, or 4)
     * @param encoder The CharsetEncoder to use
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     * 
     * @throws CharacterCodingException When we have an error while decoding the CharSequence
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putPrefixedString(CharSequence in, int prefixLength, CharsetEncoder encoder)
            throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Writes the content of <code>in</code> into this buffer as a string which
     * has a 16-bit length field before the actual encoded string, using the
     * specified <code>encoder</code>. This method is a shortcut for
     * {@code putPrefixedString(in, prefixLength, padding, ( byte ) 0, encoder)}
     * 
     * @param in The CharSequence to put in the IoBuffer
     * @param prefixLength the length of the length field (1, 2, or 4)
     * @param padding the number of padded {@code NUL}s (1 (or 0), 2, or 4)
     * @param encoder The CharsetEncoder to use
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     * 
     * @throws CharacterCodingException When we have an error while decoding the CharSequence
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putPrefixedString(CharSequence in, int prefixLength, int padding, CharsetEncoder encoder)
            throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Writes the content of <code>val</code> into this buffer as a string which
     * has a 16-bit length field before the actual encoded string, using the
     * specified <code>encoder</code>.
     * 
     * @param val The CharSequence to put in teh IoBuffer
     * @param prefixLength the length of the length field (1, 2, or 4)
     * @param padding the number of padded bytes (1 (or 0), 2, or 4)
     * @param padValue the value of padded bytes
     * @param encoder The CharsetEncoder to use
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     * @throws CharacterCodingException When we have an error while decoding the CharSequence
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putPrefixedString(CharSequence val, int prefixLength, int padding, byte padValue,
            CharsetEncoder encoder) throws CharacterCodingException;

    /**
     * Reads a Java object from the buffer using the context {@link ClassLoader}
     * of the current thread.
     * 
     * @return The read Object
     * @throws ClassNotFoundException thrown when we can't find the Class to use
     */
    public abstract Object getObject() throws ClassNotFoundException;

    /**
     * Reads a Java object from the buffer using the specified
     * {@code classLoader}.
     * 
     * @param classLoader The classLoader to use to read an Object from the IoBuffer
     * @return The read Object
     * @throws ClassNotFoundException thrown when we can't find the Class to use
     */
    public abstract Object getObject(final ClassLoader classLoader) throws ClassNotFoundException;

    /**
     * Writes the specified Java object to the buffer.
     * 
     * @param o The Object to write in the IoBuffer
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putObject(Object o);

    /**
     * 
     * @param prefixLength the length of the prefix field (1, 2, or 4)
     * @return {@code true} if this buffer contains a data which has a data
     * length as a prefix and the buffer has remaining data as enough as
     * specified in the data length field. This method is identical with
     * {@code prefixedDataAvailable( prefixLength, Integer.MAX_VALUE )}. Please
     * not that using this method can allow DoS (Denial of Service) attack in
     * case the remote peer sends too big data length value. It is recommended
     * to use {@link #prefixedDataAvailable(int, int)} instead.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if prefixLength is wrong
     * @throws BufferDataException if data length is negative
     */
    public abstract boolean prefixedDataAvailable(int prefixLength);

    /**
     * @param prefixLength the length of the prefix field (1, 2, or 4)
     * @param maxDataLength the allowed maximum of the read data length
     * @return {@code true} if this buffer contains a data which has a data
     * length as a prefix and the buffer has remaining data as enough as
     * specified in the data length field.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *             if prefixLength is wrong
     * @throws BufferDataException
     *             if data length is negative or greater then
     *             {@code maxDataLength}
     */
    public abstract boolean prefixedDataAvailable(int prefixLength, int maxDataLength);

    // ///////////////////
    // IndexOf methods //
    // ///////////////////

    /**
     * Returns the first occurrence position of the specified byte from the
     * current position to the current limit.
     *
     * @param b The byte we are looking for
     * @return {@code -1} if the specified byte is not found
     */
    public abstract int indexOf(byte b);

    // ////////////////////////
    // Skip or fill methods //
    // ////////////////////////

    /**
     * Forwards the position of this buffer as the specified <code>size</code>
     * bytes.
     * 
     * @param size The added size
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer skip(int size);

    /**
     * Fills this buffer with the specified value. This method moves buffer
     * position forward.
     * 
     * @param value The value to fill the IoBuffer with
     * @param size The added size
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer fill(byte value, int size);

    /**
     * Fills this buffer with the specified value. This method does not change
     * buffer position.
     *
     * @param value The value to fill the IoBuffer with
     * @param size The added size
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer fillAndReset(byte value, int size);

    /**
     * Fills this buffer with <code>NUL (0x00)</code>. This method moves buffer
     * position forward.
     * 
     * @param size The added size
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer fill(int size);

    /**
     * Fills this buffer with <code>NUL (0x00)</code>. This method does not
     * change buffer position.
     * 
     * @param size The added size
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer fillAndReset(int size);

    // ////////////////////////
    // Enum methods //
    // ////////////////////////

    /**
     * Reads a byte from the buffer and returns the correlating enum constant
     * defined by the specified enum type.
     * 
     * @param <E> The enum type to return
     * @param enumClass The enum's class object
     * @return The correlated enum constant
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> E getEnum(Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads a byte from the buffer and returns the correlating enum constant
     * defined by the specified enum type.
     * 
     * @param <E> The enum type to return
     * @param index the index from which the byte will be read
     * @param enumClass The enum's class object
     * @return The correlated enum constant
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> E getEnum(int index, Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads a short from the buffer and returns the correlating enum constant
     * defined by the specified enum type.
     * 
     * @param <E> The enum type to return
     * @param enumClass The enum's class object
     * @return The correlated enum constant
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> E getEnumShort(Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads a short from the buffer and returns the correlating enum constant
     * defined by the specified enum type.
     * 
     * @param <E> The enum type to return
     * @param index the index from which the bytes will be read
     * @param enumClass The enum's class object
     * @return The correlated enum constant
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> E getEnumShort(int index, Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads an int from the buffer and returns the correlating enum constant
     * defined by the specified enum type.
     * 
     * @param <E> The enum type to return
     * @param enumClass The enum's class object
     * @return The correlated enum constant
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> E getEnumInt(Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads an int from the buffer and returns the correlating enum constant
     * defined by the specified enum type.
     * 
     * @param <E> The enum type to return
     * @param index the index from which the bytes will be read
     * @param enumClass The enum's class object
     * @return The correlated enum constant
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> E getEnumInt(int index, Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Writes an enum's ordinal value to the buffer as a byte.
     * 
     * @param e The enum to write to the buffer
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putEnum(Enum<?> e);

    /**
     * Writes an enum's ordinal value to the buffer as a byte.
     * 
     * @param index The index at which the byte will be written
     * @param e The enum to write to the buffer
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putEnum(int index, Enum<?> e);

    /**
     * Writes an enum's ordinal value to the buffer as a short.
     * 
     * @param e The enum to write to the buffer
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putEnumShort(Enum<?> e);

    /**
     * Writes an enum's ordinal value to the buffer as a short.
     * 
     * @param index The index at which the bytes will be written
     * @param e The enum to write to the buffer
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putEnumShort(int index, Enum<?> e);

    /**
     * Writes an enum's ordinal value to the buffer as an integer.
     * 
     * @param e The enum to write to the buffer
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putEnumInt(Enum<?> e);

    /**
     * Writes an enum's ordinal value to the buffer as an integer.
     * 
     * @param index The index at which the bytes will be written
     * @param e The enum to write to the buffer
     * @return The modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract IoBuffer putEnumInt(int index, Enum<?> e);

    // ////////////////////////
    // EnumSet methods //
    // ////////////////////////

    /**
     * Reads a byte sized bit vector and converts it to an {@link EnumSet}.
     * 
     * <p>
     * Each bit is mapped to a value in the specified enum. The least
     * significant bit maps to the first entry in the specified enum and each
     * subsequent bit maps to each subsequent bit as mapped to the subsequent
     * enum value.
     * 
     * @param <E> the enum type
     * @param enumClass the enum class used to create the EnumSet
     * @return the EnumSet representation of the bit vector
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> Set<E> getEnumSet(Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads a byte sized bit vector and converts it to an {@link EnumSet}.
     * 
     * @see #getEnumSet(Class)
     * @param <E> the enum type
     * @param index the index from which the byte will be read
     * @param enumClass the enum class used to create the EnumSet
     * @return the EnumSet representation of the bit vector
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> Set<E> getEnumSet(int index, Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads a short sized bit vector and converts it to an {@link EnumSet}.
     * 
     * @see #getEnumSet(Class)
     * @param <E> the enum type
     * @param enumClass the enum class used to create the EnumSet
     * @return the EnumSet representation of the bit vector
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> Set<E> getEnumSetShort(Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads a short sized bit vector and converts it to an {@link EnumSet}.
     * 
     * @see #getEnumSet(Class)
     * @param <E> the enum type
     * @param index the index from which the bytes will be read
     * @param enumClass the enum class used to create the EnumSet
     * @return the EnumSet representation of the bit vector
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> Set<E> getEnumSetShort(int index, Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads an int sized bit vector and converts it to an {@link EnumSet}.
     * 
     * @see #getEnumSet(Class)
     * @param <E> the enum type
     * @param enumClass the enum class used to create the EnumSet
     * @return the EnumSet representation of the bit vector
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> Set<E> getEnumSetInt(Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads an int sized bit vector and converts it to an {@link EnumSet}.
     * 
     * @see #getEnumSet(Class)
     * @param <E> the enum type
     * @param index the index from which the bytes will be read
     * @param enumClass the enum class used to create the EnumSet
     * @return the EnumSet representation of the bit vector
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> Set<E> getEnumSetInt(int index, Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads a long sized bit vector and converts it to an {@link EnumSet}.
     * 
     * @see #getEnumSet(Class)
     * @param <E> the enum type
     * @param enumClass the enum class used to create the EnumSet
     * @return the EnumSet representation of the bit vector
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> Set<E> getEnumSetLong(Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Reads a long sized bit vector and converts it to an {@link EnumSet}.
     * 
     * @see #getEnumSet(Class)
     * @param <E> the enum type
     * @param index the index from which the bytes will be read
     * @param enumClass the enum class used to create the EnumSet
     * @return the EnumSet representation of the bit vector
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> Set<E> getEnumSetLong(int index, Class<E> enumClass);

    /**
     * Writes the specified {@link Set} to the buffer as a byte sized bit
     * vector.
     * 
     * @param <E> the enum type of the Set
     * @param set the enum set to write to the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> IoBuffer putEnumSet(Set<E> set);

    /**
     * Writes the specified {@link Set} to the buffer as a byte sized bit
     * vector.
     * 
     * @param <E> the enum type of the Set
     * @param index the index at which the byte will be written
     * @param set the enum set to write to the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> IoBuffer putEnumSet(int index, Set<E> set);

    /**
     * Writes the specified {@link Set} to the buffer as a short sized bit
     * vector.
     * 
     * @param <E> the enum type of the Set
     * @param set the enum set to write to the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> IoBuffer putEnumSetShort(Set<E> set);

    /**
     * Writes the specified {@link Set} to the buffer as a short sized bit
     * vector.
     * 
     * @param <E> the enum type of the Set
     * @param index the index at which the bytes will be written
     * @param set the enum set to write to the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> IoBuffer putEnumSetShort(int index, Set<E> set);

    /**
     * Writes the specified {@link Set} to the buffer as an int sized bit
     * vector.
     * 
     * @param <E> the enum type of the Set
     * @param set the enum set to write to the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> IoBuffer putEnumSetInt(Set<E> set);

    /**
     * Writes the specified {@link Set} to the buffer as an int sized bit
     * vector.
     * 
     * @param <E> the enum type of the Set
     * @param index the index at which the bytes will be written
     * @param set the enum set to write to the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> IoBuffer putEnumSetInt(int index, Set<E> set);

    /**
     * Writes the specified {@link Set} to the buffer as a long sized bit
     * vector.
     * 
     * @param <E> the enum type of the Set
     * @param set the enum set to write to the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> IoBuffer putEnumSetLong(Set<E> set);

    /**
     * Writes the specified {@link Set} to the buffer as a long sized bit
     * vector.
     * 
     * @param <E> the enum type of the Set
     * @param index the index at which the bytes will be written
     * @param set the enum set to write to the buffer
     * @return the modified IoBuffer
     */
    public abstract <E extends Enum<E>> IoBuffer putEnumSetLong(int index, Set<E> set);
}