What are Java Generics and how do they ensure type safety?

What are Java Generics and how do they ensure type safety?

Java Generics allow you to define classes, interfaces, and methods with a placeholder for types. This ensures type safety by allowing you to catch type errors at compile time rather than at runtime.

Can you give me an example of how to use Generics in a Java 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;
    }
}

In this example, T is a type parameter that can be replaced with any object type.

What are the benefits of using Generics?

The benefits include stronger type checks at compile time, elimination of casts, and the ability to implement generic algorithms that work on different types.

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.