OOP Generics

Classes that receive types as parameters are called "Generics". Type parameters provide a way for you to re-use the some code for different data types, just like a dynamic language. Using Generics we can relax the type system used by Java and improve code reusability without loosing performance.

Syntax:

A generic class is recognized by the angle brackets that it uses to define type parameters also called sometimes type variables: T1, T2 ...Tn

 //generic class pattern
class GenericName <T1, T2, ... Tn?> {
  //generic class body
  .....
}

Observe the name of type variables is "Tn" but this is not necessary a class name nor a constant. In Java by convention type parameters are single uppercase letters: T, V, S, U, V, N, K, E. Do not get disturbed by this new convention. It is common for Java to have exceptions from general rules.

Type argument:

A generic class can be invoked (used) in a declaration for making new objects. You must use operator "new" to create the object. Notice in the next pattern we use Integer as a type argument but could be another type.

 //using a generic type
GenericName<Integer> objectName = new  GenericName<Integer>();

Note: Type argument is the actual type we use for a type parameter to invoke the generic class. It does not have to be surrounded by double quotes. It is not a string but an actual type, recognized by the syntax color of your editor and thus by the compiler

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