Java: How to set a default for “T” in SomeClass?

Question

Is there a way to specify a default type for a generic template?

Let\'s say I have a Monkey class. Monkeys can live in different Environment

Answer 1

No you can't: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Java_and_C%2B%2B

Generic type parameters cannot have default arguments.

What about making something like this:

public class Monkey extends Monkey

Obviusly you'll "waste" the ability to inherit.

EDIT 1: Another interesting thing is do the reverse of what I suggested,

public class Monkey extends Monkey

In this case all generics class Monkey inherits Monkey, in some cases, this is a very interesting thing (expecially when you notice that some instance-methods fits in all classes without requiring the generic). This approach is used in Castle ActiveRecord (I've seen it used in C#, not in Java), and I find it beautiful.