What is the difference between generics and any in TypeScript?

What is the difference between generics and any in TypeScript?

Generics allow you to create reusable components that work with any data type while maintaining type safety. 'Any' is a type that disables type checking.

Can you give me an example of using generics?

Sure! Here's a simple example: function identity<T>(arg: T): T { return arg; } This function can take any type and return it.

What about using 'any'? When should I use it?

You should use 'any' when you don't know the type of a variable or when you want to opt-out of type checking, but it's best to avoid it when possible.

Are there any downsides to using 'any'?

Yes, using 'any' can lead to runtime errors and makes your code less predictable, as it bypasses TypeScript's type safety.