Java Generics - Type Erasure

Generics are used for tighter type checks at compile time and to provide a generic programming. To implement generic behaviour, java compiler apply type erasure. Type erasure is a process in which compiler replaces a generic parameter with actual class or bridge method. In type erasure, compiler ensures that no extra classes are created and there is no runtime overhead.

Type Erasure rules

• Replace type parameters in generic type with their bound if bounded type parameters are used.

• Replace type parameters in generic type with Object if unbounded type parameters are used.

• Insert type casts to preserve type safety.

• Generate bridge methods to keep polymorphism in extended generic types.