Lesson 27 of 55
15 mins readPython Generic Classes and Collections
In Plain English
Generic classes allow you to encapsulate state and operations over parameterized data types, preventing type degradation in custom collections.
Core Rules to Remember
Type-Safe Collections: Guarantees elements entered and retrieved match the class type parameter.
Encapsulation: Private generic arrays keep internal representation safe from outside mutations.
Live Interactive Example
Hit Run Code to see it liveBuilding a Type-Safe Queue
Python 3.12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Output Console
Click "Run Code" to view the rendered output.
How it works: Queue<string> guarantees only string elements can be enqueued and dequeued.
Your Turn: Micro Challenge
No pressure! Edit the starter code below and test your solution with instant feedback.
Micro Exercise
Implement a Generic Stack
- Create class Stack<T> with private items: T[] = [].
- Add methods push(item: T): void, pop(): T | undefined, and peek(): T | undefined.
- Instantiate Stack<number>, push 10 and 20, then print peek() and pop().
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Sandbox Output
Click "Run & Check" to test your solution.
Finished reading and practicing?
Mark this lesson as completed to update your course progress.