What are the differences between generics and non-generics in programming?

What are the differences between generics and non-generics in programming?

Generics allow you to define classes, methods, or interfaces with a placeholder for the data type, making them more flexible and reusable. Non-generics, on the other hand, use specific data types, which can lead to code duplication and type safety issues.

Can you give me an example of generics in action?

Sure! In Java, you might have a generic class like Box<T> that can hold any type of object. You can create a Box<Integer> or a Box<String>, allowing for type safety without code duplication.

What are the advantages of using generics?

The main advantages include type safety, code reusability, and the ability to create more flexible APIs. Generics help catch type errors at compile time rather than at runtime.

Are there any downsides to using generics?

Yes, generics can introduce complexity in code and may lead to performance overhead in some cases. Additionally, they can be less intuitive for beginners.