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Java Generics Notes

Java Generics provide a way to define classes, interfaces, and methods with type parameters, enhancing type safety and eliminating runtime errors from incorrect type casting. Key concepts include generic classes, methods, bounded generics, wildcards, and the PECS rule, which guide the use of generics in collections. While generics offer advantages like type safety and code reusability, they also have limitations such as the inability to use primitive types and lack of runtime type information.

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7 views3 pages

Java Generics Notes

Java Generics provide a way to define classes, interfaces, and methods with type parameters, enhancing type safety and eliminating runtime errors from incorrect type casting. Key concepts include generic classes, methods, bounded generics, wildcards, and the PECS rule, which guide the use of generics in collections. While generics offer advantages like type safety and code reusability, they also have limitations such as the inability to use primitive types and lack of runtime type information.

Uploaded by

manish201258
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Java Generics – Complete Detailed Notes

1. Introduction to Generics

Generics in Java allow classes, interfaces, and methods to operate on different data types while
providing type safety. They were introduced to eliminate runtime errors caused by incorrect type
casting.

Problem Without Generics


ArrayList list = new ArrayList();
[Link]("Hello");
[Link](10);

String s = (String) [Link](1); // Runtime Error

Solution Using Generics


ArrayList<String> list = new ArrayList<>();
[Link]("Hello");
// [Link](10); // Compile-time error

2. Generic Classes

A generic class allows you to define a class with a type parameter.


class Box<T> {
T value;

void set(T value) {


[Link] = value;
}

T get() {
return value;
}
}

3. Generic Methods

A generic method can work with different types independently of the class.
class Test {
static <T> void print(T data) {
[Link](data);
}
}
4. Bounded Generics

Bounded generics restrict the type parameter to a specific range.


class Test<T extends Number> {
T value;
}

5. Wildcards

Wildcards (?) represent unknown types.


List<?> list;
List<? extends Number> list1;
List<? super Integer> list2;

6. Type Erasure

Generics are removed at runtime. This process is called type erasure.


List<Integer> list = new ArrayList<>();
// At runtime becomes:
List list = new ArrayList();

7. Generics with Collections

Generics are widely used with collections for type safety.


ArrayList<String> list = new ArrayList<>();
HashMap<Integer, String> map = new HashMap<>();

8. Advantages of Generics

- Type Safety - No need for casting - Code reusability - Compile-time checking

9. Limitations

- Cannot use primitive types - No runtime type information - Cannot create generic exceptions

10. PECS Rule

PECS stands for Producer Extends, Consumer Super. It helps decide wildcard usage.
List<? extends Number> // Read only
List<? super Integer> // Write allowed

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