Tutorials :Flexible Object Operation with Java Generics :

Flexible Object Operation with Java Generics

by Leonard Anghel

In my humble experience, any article’s introduction should answer the reader’s top five questions regarding the article’s subject. Keeping this in mind with respect to Java Generics, I will endeavor to answer those questions:

1. What is Java Generics (and what is genericity)? Google "Java Generics" (also known as “parameterized types”), and you'll learn that this programming facility dramatically increases your flexibility when operating with different types of objects in Java classes. Also, it's very important to note that Java’s generics implementation provides compile-time safety. This is useful for reducing runtime errors&3151;especially the runtime exception, java.lang.ClassCastException). Essentially, Java Generics allow you to abstract over types.
2. Why should I use Java Generics? There are many reasons why you would be motivated to use Java Generics. For now, be patient and read further, and very soon, you'll get the proper answer. An inexperienced Java programmer may be motivationed by the fact that Java collections “abuse” Java Generics--and who doesn’t use Java collections?
3. Is it difficult to learn Java Generics? Absolutely not! All you need is a solid understanding of the Java fundamentals (Java Core, including Java Collections) and object-oriented programming concepts.

4. Do I have Java Generics support in my Java distribution? In 2003, Java Generics was proposed as Java Specification Request 014. Within a year, it was added as part of J2SE 5.0. So if you have a J2SE 5.0 or above, then you have access to Java Generics goodies.
5. What I will learn about Java Generics in this article?
   • The Big Bang of Java Generics
   • Java Generics and Subtyping
   • Wildcards
   • Handling Exceptions
   • Generic Classes
   • Generic methods

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