What are some examples of generic types in programming?

What are some examples of generic types in programming?

Generic types are templates that allow you to define classes or functions with a placeholder for the data type. For example, in Java, you might use List<T> where T can be any type.

Can you give me a specific example in C#?

Sure! In C#, you can create a generic class like public class Box<T> { public T Item { get; set; } }. This allows you to create a box that can hold any type of item.

What are the benefits of using generic types?

Using generic types increases code reusability and type safety, as it allows you to write a method or class that works with any data type without losing the benefits of strong typing.

Are there any downsides to using generics?

One downside is that generics can make the code more complex and harder to read for those unfamiliar with them. Additionally, some languages have limitations on what types can be used with generics.