What is type erasure in Java generics?

Can you explain what type erasure is in Java generics?

Type erasure is a process in Java where generic type information is removed during compilation. This allows for backward compatibility with older versions of Java that do not support generics.

Why is type erasure important in Java?

Type erasure is important because it ensures that Java's generics feature does not break existing code. It allows generic types to be used while maintaining compatibility with non-generic code.

Are there any limitations due to type erasure?

Yes, one limitation is that you cannot use primitive types as type parameters. Additionally, you cannot create arrays of parameterized types.

How does type erasure affect runtime type checking?

At runtime, type information is not available due to type erasure, which means that type checks are performed using the raw types, potentially leading to ClassCastException.