Overloading method with generic parameters

Question

I have method that returns generic parameter. For example

public E doSmth(E item){
return item;
}

Is there a way to create same method get but only for example String like

public String doSmth(String item){
return item + item;
}

So if i pass String, it works with String, but if i pass anything else it does basic method with generic. Can i somehow do it without error that 'two same methods in class' ?

A way around this issue is to have the generic method more complicated, having it delegate work based on the type of the parameter. — Roy Shahaf
– Roy Shahaf, Commented Nov 30, 2018 at 13:23

Stephan Hogenboom · Accepted Answer · 2018-11-30 13:29:39Z

1

This should work right? Java will always try to call the method that has the most refined type of the parameter you have put in the call

public <E> E doSmth(E item){
  return item;
}


public String doSmth(String item){
 return item + item;
}

answered Nov 30, 2018 at 13:29

Stephan Hogenboom

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2 Comments

Ars Over a year ago

No. It won't work. Compiler will say "i have two exact same methods and don't know wich one to use"

Stephan Hogenboom Over a year ago

Can you show how you call the method? I tried this multiple times and it seems to work. Do you have other method with the same signature that might conflict?

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