What are the differences between generic and non-generic collections?

What are the differences between generic and non-generic collections?

Generic collections are type-safe and allow you to define the data type they store, while non-generic collections store objects as type 'Object', which can lead to runtime errors.

Can you give me examples of each?

Sure! An example of a generic collection is List<T> in C#, where T can be any data type. A non-generic collection example is ArrayList, which can hold any type of object.

What are the advantages of using generic collections?

Generic collections provide type safety, better performance due to reduced boxing/unboxing, and improved code readability.

Are there any disadvantages to using generic collections?

One disadvantage is that they can be more complex to implement, especially for developers unfamiliar with generics.

When should I use generic collections over non-generic ones?

You should use generic collections when you need type safety, performance, and when working with a known data type.