What are the differences between Java Generics and Collections?

What are the differences between Java Generics and Collections?

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

Can you give me an example of how to use Generics with Collections?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

List<String> stringList = new ArrayList<>();
stringList.add("Hello");
String firstElement = stringList.get(0); // No casting needed

In this case, List<String> uses Generics to specify that it will only hold String objects.

What are the benefits of using Generics?

The benefits of using Generics include type safety, code reusability, and eliminating the need for casting, which can lead to runtime errors.

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.