Chapter 17: Problem 18

Can a generic class be a superclass? Can it be a subclass?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: Yes, a generic class in Java can be both a superclass and a subclass. A generic class extending another class can inherit properties and methods from the superclass. Similarly, a class extending a generic class can either specify the type for the superclass or use a type variable for the subclass.

Step by step solution

Understand generic classes

A generic class is a class that can have more than one type of object. It allows the class to have variable types declared for its members and methods. Generic classes provide type safety and reduce the need for casting when working with different types of objects.

Create a generic class

To create a generic class, place angle brackets (<>) after the name of the class, and then define the type variable within those brackets. The type variable is a placeholder for the actual type that you will use when you create an instance of the class. Let's create an example generic class: ```java public class GenericClass { private T value; public T getValue() { return value; } public void setValue(T value) { this.value = value; } } ``` In this example, `T` is the type variable.

Verify if a generic class can be a superclass

A generic class can be a superclass. When we have a class that extends a generic class, we can either specify the type for the superclass or use a type variable for the subclass. Let's use the `GenericClass` we created as a superclass: ```java public class StringClass extends GenericClass { // Additional methods can be added for this subclass. } ``` In this example, `StringClass` extends `GenericClass` and specifies the type as `String`. Thus, a generic class can be a superclass.

Verify if a generic class can be a subclass

A generic class can also be a subclass. When a generic class extends another non-generic class or another generic class, it can inherit the properties and methods of the superclass. Let's create an example of a generic class being a subclass: ```java public class DataContainer { private T data; // Getter and setter for data. } public class SpecificDataContainer extends DataContainer { // Additional methods specific to this subclass can be added here. } ``` In this example, `SpecificDataContainer` is a generic class and is also a subclass of the generic class `DataContainer`. Thus, a generic class can be a subclass as well. In conclusion, a generic class can be both a superclass and a subclass in Java.

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Can a generic class be a superclass? Can it be a subclass?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand generic classes

Create a generic class

Verify if a generic class can be a superclass

Verify if a generic class can be a subclass

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