Course: Generics in Java

Generics is a handy tool in Java that greatly increases the maintainability of your code by allowing you to reuse code, using the same class or method with different types of data. Furthermore, generics also convert runtime checks to compile-time checks, making your code less error-prone. In this course, learn how to use generics in Java to write reusable and maintainable code, exploring why generic code has several advantages over non-generic code. Get hands-on practice with creating and defining classes with generic type parameters. Investigate how these generic types can be used as types for member variables, input arguments to methods, and return values from methods. Moving along, implement generic methods where the generic type parameter is associated with the method rather than the class itself. When you're finished, you'll have a solid foundation in defining and working with generic classes and methods in Java.

In Java, bounded type parameters and wildcards offer certain flexibility and disadvantages. Recognizing these will help you decide when and how to use these tools to your advantage when writing code. Use this course to get to grips with what's meant by unbounded and bounded type parameters, explore the use of wildcards in Java, and recognize the applications of unbounded, upper-bounded, and lower-bounded wildcards. As you advance, investigate what's meant by 'wildcard capture' and 'type erasure.' When you're finished, you'll be able to correctly identify scenarios for using bounded type parameters and wildcards and implement them correctly.