What are generics in Java and why are they useful?

What are generics in Java and why are they useful?

Generics in Java allow you to define classes, interfaces, and methods with a placeholder for types. They provide type safety and eliminate the need for casting.

Can you give me an example of how to use generics in a class?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

public class Box<T> {
    private T item;

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

    public T getItem() {
        return item;
    }
}

This class can hold any type of object.

What are the advantages of using generics?

The main advantages include type safety, code reusability, and eliminating the need for type casting, which can lead to runtime errors.

Are there any limitations to using generics?

Yes, some limitations include type erasure, which means that generic type information is not available at runtime, and you cannot create instances of type parameters.