Chapter 17: Problem 5

What is a type parameter?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Type parameters are placeholders for specific data types in programming. They allow flexibility and reusability of functions or data structures, particularly in generic programming. By using type parameters, a single function or class can be used with multiple data types, resulting in type-safe, reusable, and efficient code. They are important because they help create adaptable and maintainable code by reducing redundancy and promoting code reusability.

Step by step solution

Definition of Type Parameter

A type parameter, in the context of programming, is a placeholder for a specific data type, allowing flexibility and reusability of functions or data structures. This concept is employed mostly in generic programming, where a single function or class can be utilized with multiple data types. This leads to type-safe, reusable, and efficient code.

Usage with Java Example

To illustrate the concept of a type parameter, let's take a look at a Java example. Java implements generics using type parameters. Here is an example of a class using a type parameter: ```java public class GenericBox { private T item; public void set(T item) { this.item = item; } public T get() { return item; } } ``` In this example, the 'T' within the angle brackets (< >) represents a type parameter. It is a placeholder for a specific data type that can be substituted when creating an object of this class. This allows the GenericBox class to be used with different data types for 'item', like Integer, String, or any custom object, while reusing the same code. To create a new GenericBox instance with Integer type: ```java GenericBox integerBox = new GenericBox<>(); integerBox.set(5); Integer item = integerBox.get(); ``` And similarly, for a String type: ```java GenericBox stringBox = new GenericBox<>(); stringBox.set("Hello, world!"); String item = stringBox.get(); ``` In both cases, the type parameter 'T' is replaced by the specific data type, making the code type-safe and reusable without having to create a separate class for each data type.

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What is a type parameter?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of Type Parameter

Usage with Java Example

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