Why would I use java.lang.Class.cast [duplicate]

Answer 1

In Java there is often more than one way to skin a cat. Such functionality may be useful in cases where you have framework code. Imagine a method which accepts a Class object instance and an Object instance and returns the Object case as the class:

public static void doSomething(Class whatToCastAs,Object o)
    {
        SomeBaseClass castObj =  whatToCastAs.cast(o);
        castObj.doSomething();
    }

In general, use the simpler casting, unless it does not suffice.