In programming, what is the purpose of a 'Generic Class'?

The purpose of a 'Generic Class' is primarily to allow multiple data types to be used with the same class definition. This is particularly useful because it enables developers to create classes and methods that can operate on objects of various types while maintaining type safety. By using generics, a single class can be designed to abstractly represent a collection, a container, or a method without being bound to a specific data type.

For instance, when implementing a generic data structure like a list or a stack, a developer can define the class with a placeholder for the data type, which can then be specified when an instance of the class is created. This flexibility enables code reuse and cleaner API design, as the same class can handle different types of data without duplication.

Additionally, generics help to catch type-related errors at compile time, which enhances code robustness and reduces runtime errors. The concept reflects a core principle of object-oriented programming where designing for generality allows for greater reuse and flexibility in code.