Code that uses generics has many benefits over non-generic code:

Generic programming is a style of computer programming in which algorithms are written in terms of types to-be-specified-later that are then instantiated when needed for specific types provided as parameters.

Java Generic methods and generic classes enable programmers to specify, with a single method declaration, a set of related methods, or with a single class declaration, a set of related types, respectively.

• Stronger type checks at compile time. A Java compiler applies strong type checking to generic code and issues errors if the code violates type safety.
• Elimination of casts.
• Enabling programmers to implement generic algorithms.

List<E> is a generic type: a list that holds elements of some type represented by the placeholder E . The compiler knows that the get( ) method of a List (for example) returns a String object: you are no longer required to cast a return value of type Object to a String . The collections classes of the java.

Generics in Java

• Type-safety: We can hold only a single type of objects in generics. It doesn?t allow to store other objects.
• Type casting is not required: There is no need to typecast the object. Before Generics, we need to type cast.
• Compile-Time Checking: It is checked at compile time so problem will not occur at runtime.

Generic types and methods – Pros and Cons

• Readability and Documentation. More precise indication of types. Less downcasting from class Object.
• Type Checking. Better and more precise typechecking.
• Efficiency. There is a potential for more efficient programs. Less casting – fewer boxings.

The method of Generic Programming is implemented to increase the efficiency of the code. Generic Programming enables the programmer to write a general algorithm which will work with all data types. It eliminates the need to create different algorithms if the data type is an integer, string or a character.

Java annotations are a mechanism for adding metadata information to our source code. They are a powerful part of Java, and were added in JDK5. Although we can attach them to packages, classes, interfaces, methods, and fields, annotations by themselves have no effect on the execution of a program.

annotation marks the Java class as a bean or say component so that the component-scanning mechanism of Spring can add into the application context.

1. Java Custom annotations or Java User-defined annotations are easy to create and use. The @interface element is used to declare an annotation. For example:
2. @Target tag is used to specify at which type, the annotation is used.
3. @Retention annotation is used to specify to what level annotation will be available.

Annotations have a lot of advantages over XML, to name a few :

• Static type checking – the compiler will check for you where the annotation (once defined properly) is applicable and how.
• Clean code – its much easier to see (visually) the meta data defined in annotations.

Annotations are a critical strategy teachers can use to encourage students to interact with a text. They promote a deeper understanding of passages and encourage students to read with a purpose.

Annotations are used to provide supplement information about a program. Annotations start with ‘@’. Annotations do not change action of a compiled program. Annotations help to associate metadata (information) to the program elements i.e. instance variables, constructors, methods, classes, etc.

How do you annotate?

1. Summarize key points in your own words.
2. Circle key concepts and phrases.
3. Write brief comments and questions in the margins.
4. Use abbreviations and symbols.
5. Highlight/underline.

150 words

How to Write an Annotated Bibliography that Works

1. Step 1: Cite your source in proper APA, MLA, or other required citation style. Each of your entries will begin with a full bibliographic entry.
2. Step 2: Summarize the source. A summary explains the main ideas of the source.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the source.

While an annotation can be as short as one sentence, the average entry in an annotated bibliography consists of a work’s citation information followed by a short paragraph of three to six sentences, roughly 150 words in length.