/*
 * $Id$
 */

package edu.jas.structure;


/**
 * Ring factory interface. Defines test for field and access of characteristic.
 * @author Heinz Kredel
 */

public interface RingFactory> extends AbelianGroupFactory, MonoidFactory {


    /**
     * Query if this ring is a field. May return false if it is to hard to
     * determine if this ring is a field.
     * @return true if it is known that this ring is a field, else false.
     */
    public boolean isField();


    /**
     * Characteristic of this ring.
     * @return characteristic of this ring.
     */
    public java.math.BigInteger characteristic();

}