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Generic Array Creation Error: Exploring Alternatives
Attempting to create an array of a generic class in Java, as exemplified in the question, will inevitably encounter an error. Java lacks support for this feature, necessitating alternative approaches.
Consider Using a Collection
Instead of an array, utilizing a collection can effectively address this constraint. An ArrayList, for instance, can store a list of objects, providing flexibility in managing the data.
Another Option: Auxilliary Class
Another viable solution involves creating an auxiliary class. For example, a class named MyObjectArrayList could extend ArrayList
Understanding the Prohibition
The prohibition against generic arrays in Java is deeply rooted in the language's design. The following example illustrates a potential scenario that justifies this restriction:
<code class="java">List<String>[] lsa = new List<String>[10]; // illegal Object[] oa = lsa; // OK because List<String> is a subtype of Object List<Integer> li = new ArrayList<Integer>(); li.add(new Integer(3)); oa[0] = li; String s = lsa[0].get(0);</code>
Without this limitation, such code could lead to unexpected behavior, such as assigning a list of integers to an array intended for strings.
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