Generics in Dart
30 March, 2023
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Generics in Dart are a powerful feature that allows programmers to write reusable code that can work with different types of data. Generics provide a way to define classes, methods, and functions that can accept and return values of any type, without having to specify the type at the time of writing the code.
Defining Generic Classes
To define a generic class in Dart, you can use the angle bracket syntax to specify a type parameter. The type parameter can then be used as a placeholder for a specific type when the class is instantiated.
Here's an example of a generic class in Dart:
class Box<T> {
T value;
Box(this.value);
T getValue() {
return value;
}
}In this example, the Box class is defined as a generic class with a type parameter "T". The type parameter is used as a placeholder for the type of the value property, which can be any type specified when an object of the Box class is created.
Using Generic Methods
In addition to generic classes, Dart also supports generic methods. Generic methods allow programmers to define methods that can accept and return values of any type, without having to specify the type at the time of writing the code.
Here's an example of a generic method in Dart:
T getValue<T>(T value) {
return value;
}In this example, the getValue method is defined as a generic method with a type parameter "T". The type parameter is used as a placeholder for the type of the value parameter and the return type.
Advantages of Generics
Generics offer several advantages in Dart programming, including:
- Reusability: Generics enable the creation of code that can work with different types of data, making it more reusable and reducing the need for code duplication.
- Type Safety: Generics ensure that the code is type-safe, which reduces the risk of type errors at runtime.
- Flexibility: Generics allow programmers to create generic classes and methods that can work with a wide range of types, which increases the flexibility and versatility of the code.
In summary, generics in Dart are a powerful feature that allows programmers to create reusable code that can work with different types of data. Generics provide a way to define classes, methods, and functions that can accept and return values of any type, without having to specify the type at the time of writing the code. Generics offer several advantages, including reusability, type safety, and flexibility, which make them an essential feature of modern programming languages.