/**
 * <p>
 * Interface for message channels.
 * </p>
 * @author     Michael Schuresko
 * @version    %I%, %G%
 * @since      1.0
 */

public interface IMsgChannel
{

    /**
     * clone this channel. state changes to cloned copy
     * should not affect cloning source
     */
    public IMsgChannel makeCopy();

    /**
     * clone this channel, assuming source will cease to be modified
     */
    public IMsgChannel makeLazyCopy();

    /**
     * <p> Post message to channel</p>
     * @param msg is the message to be sent
     * @return This queue
     */
    public IMsgChannel sendMsg(IMsg msg);

    /**
     * <p> Read a message, alter state of this channel instance.
     * </p>
     * @return IMsg just read.
     */
    public IMsg readMsg();
    
};