Generics in Java

Back to Java for DSA
Arjit Sharma
01 Min

Almost every part of the Java Collections Framework uses Generics internally - so first lets dive into Generics

Generics

It means parameterized types. Using Generics it is possible to create classes that work with different data types.

Why use Generics ?

  • Enforcing stronger type checking at compile time
  • Elimination of casts
  • Reusable, type-safe algorithms and data structures
public class Printer<T> {

    T item;

    public Printer(T item) {
        this.item = item;
    }

    public void consolePrinter() {
        System.out.println(item.toString());
    }

    public void changeItem(T item) {
        this.item = item;
    }
}

// Usage
Printer<Integer> integerPrinter = new Printer<>(5);

Printer<String> strPrinter = new Printer<>("Hello");
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