The Collections API is arguably one of the most important enhancements to Java introduced in the first version of the Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE 1.2). It supports creation and management of object containers, as well as common operations for manipulating collections of objects as a whole. It promotes good OO practices and reduces programming effort by providing common data structures and algorithms used in most software systems, leaving developers more time to focus on the unique details of a development project.

J2SE 1.5 introduces another major enhancement intended to improve on the Collections API, with the addition of generics for supporting parametric polymorphism in object containers. But is Java Generics really an improvement? Some believe it's syntactic candy that tries to solve problems that don't really exist, while adding uneccessary complexity? Other's think it's a great enhancement that's been needed for a long time. What will you think? This session will help lead you to decide what is the good, the bad, and the ugly. It examines the Collections API, pros and cons of Java Generics, and other new features that provide new ways to use object collections in Java.

Dean Wette is a Principal Software Engineer and Instructor with Object Computing, Inc. (OCI). He has consulted to the financial, insurance, DOD, and aerospace industries where he works on object-oriented technology and architecture, with an emphasis on Java and XML-based solutions. He has also authored courseware on various Java and XML topics. Dean holds a B.A. cum laude in Music and History from Webster University in St. Louis, has done doctoral studies in Musicology and Medieval/Renaissance Studies at Washington University, and is currently completing a M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Missouri-Rolla.