Generics

Definition

Generics in Java allow you to create classes and methods that can work with different types (e.g., integers, strings) without sacrificing type safety. They provide flexibility and reusability in your code.

Related terms

Type Parameter: A type parameter is a placeholder for a specific type used when declaring generics. It allows you to specify what type(s) will be used when using the generic class or method.

Wildcards: Wildcards are symbols used with generics to represent unknown types. They provide flexibility when working with unknown types but have some limitations compared to specific types.

Type Erasure: Type erasure is a process during compilation where generic type information is removed from compiled code for backward compatibility. It ensures that generics do not affect the performance of existing non-generic code.