Generics: Past, Present and Future

Generics are one of the most complex features of Java. They are often poorly understood and lead to confusing errors. Unfortunately, it won’t get easier. Java 10, release planned for 2018, extends Generics. It’s now time to understand generics or risk being left behind.

We start by stepping back into the halcyon days of 2004 and explain why generics were introduced in the first place back. We also explain why Java’s implementation is unique compared to similar features in other programming languages.

Then we travel to the present to explaining how to make effective use of Generics. We then explore various entertaining code examples and puzzlers of how Generics are used today.

Finally, this talk sheds light on the planned changes in Java 10 with practical code examples and related ideas from other programming languages. If you ever wanted to understand the buzz around higher kinded types or declaration site variance now is your chance!

Richard Warburton is an empirical technologist and solver of deep-dive technical problems and works independently as a Software Engineer and Trainer. He has written a book on Java 8 Lambdas for O’Reilly and helps developers learn via http://iteratrlearning.com (http://iteratrlearning.com/) and http://www.pluralsight.com/author/richard-warburton . He’s worked as a developer in diverse areas including Low Latency Trading Systems, Statistical Analytics, Static Analysis, Compilers and Network Protocols. He is a leader in the London Java Community. Richard is also a well known conference speaker, having talked at Devoxx, JavaOne, QCon SF, JFokus, Devoxx UK, Geecon, Oredev, JAX London, JEEConf, Codemotion, JProfessionals and Voxxed Days Luxembourg. He obtained a PhD in Computer Science from The University of Warwick.

Raoul-Gabriel Urma obtained a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge. He is co-author of the bestselling book Java 8 in Action: Lambdas, Streams, and functional-styleprogramming published by Manning.

In addition, Raoul has written over 10 peer-reviewed articles and given over 50 technical talks at international conferences. He has worked for large companies such as Google, eBay, Oracle, and Goldman Sachs, as well as for several startup projects.

** If you are interested in reading articles and training courses by Raoul and Richard, check out their website:

http://iteratrlearning.com (http://iteratrlearning.com/)

Agenda:

6:15 Doors open

6:30 Lightning talk - Steve Taylor

6:35 (approx) Main talk starts

Please join us at the bar to continue the conversation after the talk.

*Please note this is an LJC event. Skills Matter are hosting this event and are handling the attendance - it is essential that you confirm your place at this link: https://skillsmatter.com/meetups/8314-ljc-meetup (https://skillsmatter.com/meetups/8314-ljc-meetup)

Event organised by the awesome folk at RecWorks - check out the blog here: http://blog.recworks.co.uk/ (http://recworks.co.uk/)

**Do you have any career related questions? You may not be actively looking for work, but perhaps you are wondering about the current job market, considering whether this is a good time for a new challenge, or even thinking of something as routine as up-dating your CV and the best way to use it to get an interview. An experienced recruiter from RecWorks will be on hand at the event and they'll be happy to have a chat and help you hack you career in any way they can. Please just let Maggie Cranford know, and she'll be happy to arrange an introduction.

Continue the conversation at our Slack Group: londonjavacommunity.slack.com (http://londonjavacommunity.slack.com/) - Sign up here if you're not a member: https://barrycranford.typeform.com/to/IIyQxd

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