Java Generics Wildcards: Upper Bounds and Lower Bounds, Simplified Understanding
Java generics wildcards (`?`) are used to uniformly handle generic collections of different types (e.g., `List<Integer>`, `List<Double>`) and avoid redefining methods. Wildcards are categorized into two types: **Upper Bounded Wildcard (`? extends T`)**: Elements are subclasses of `T` or `T` itself. The key characteristic is that it **can only retrieve elements** (return type is `T`), and **cannot add elements** (the compiler cannot determine the specific subclass). This is suitable for reading collection elements (e.g., printing collections of `Number` and its subclasses). **Lower Bounded Wildcard (`? super T`)**: Elements are supertypes of `T` or `T` itself. The key characteristic is that it **can only add elements** (of type `T` or its subclasses), and **cannot retrieve specific types** (only `Object` can be returned). This is suitable for adding elements (e.g., adding subclass elements to a collection whose supertype is `Number`). Core distinction: Upper bounds are "read-only", while lower bounds are "write-only". The choice depends on the scenario; avoid overusing wildcards or misusing `T`.
Read MoreIntroduction to Java Generics: Why Use Generics? Simple Understanding and Usage
Java Generics, a parameterized type feature introduced in Java 5, primarily addresses type-unsafe issues (such as ClassCastException at runtime caused by collections storing arbitrary types) and the cumbersome nature of forced type conversions when no generics are used. It enables type safety and code reuse. Application scenarios include generic classes (e.g., Box<T>), interfaces (e.g., Generator<T>), methods (e.g., <T> T getFirstElement(T[])), and standard collections (e.g., ArrayList<String>, HashMap<String, Integer>). Wildcards `<?>` enhance flexibility, with upper-bounded wildcards `<? extends T>` restricting elements to T or its subclasses, and lower-bounded wildcards `<? super T>` restricting elements to T or its superclasses. Core advantages: Compile-time type checking ensures safety, eliminates forced conversions, and allows code reuse through parameterized types. Considerations: Primitive types require wrapper classes, generics are non-inheritable, and type erasure prevents direct instantiation of T. Mastering generic parameters, wildcards, and collection applications effectively improves code quality.
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