What are the differences between generics and collections in Java?

What are the differences between generics and collections in Java?

Generics provide a way to define classes, interfaces, and methods with a placeholder for types, while collections are data structures that store groups of objects. Generics enhance type safety and eliminate the need for casting.

Can you give me an example of how generics are used in collections?

Sure! For instance, you can use a List<T> where T is a type parameter. This allows you to create a list that can hold any type of objects, like List<String> for strings or List<Integer> for integers.

What are the benefits of using generics?

The benefits include stronger type checks at compile time, elimination of casting, and code reusability. This leads to fewer runtime errors and cleaner code.

Are there any downsides to using generics?

Yes, some downsides include increased complexity in code and potential performance overhead due to type erasure in Java. However, the benefits often outweigh these issues.