# Interface ParameterizedType

All Superinterfaces:
  `Type`

public interface ParameterizedType extends Type
ParameterizedType represents a parameterized type such as `Collection<String>`.

A parameterized type is created the first time it is needed by a reflective method, as specified in this package. When a parameterized type p is created, the generic class or interface declaration that p instantiates is resolved, and all type arguments of p are created recursively. See `TypeVariable` for details on the creation process for type variables. Repeated creation of a parameterized type has no effect.

Instances of classes that implement this interface must implement an equals() method that equates any two instances that share the same generic class or interface declaration and have equal type parameters.

See Java Language Specification:
  4.5 Parameterized Types
Since:
  1.5

- ## Method Summary

  Modifier and Type
  Method
  Description
  `Type[]`
  `getActualTypeArguments()`
  Returns an array of `Type` objects representing the actual type arguments to this type.
  `Type`
  `getOwnerType()`
  Returns a `Type` object representing the type that this type is a member of.
  `Type`
  `getRawType()`
  Returns the `Type` object representing the class or interface that declared this type.

  ### Methods declared in interface Type

  `getTypeName`
  Modifier and Type
  Method
  Description
  `default String`
  `getTypeName()`
  Returns a string describing this type, including information about any type parameters.

- ## Method Details

  - ### getActualTypeArguments

    Type[] getActualTypeArguments()
    Returns an array of `Type` objects representing the actual type arguments to this type.

    Note that in some cases, the returned array be empty. This can occur if this type represents a non-parameterized type nested within a parameterized type.

    Returns:
      an array of `Type` objects representing the actual type arguments to this type
    Throws:
      `TypeNotPresentException` - if any of the actual type arguments refers to a non-existent class or interface declaration
      `MalformedParameterizedTypeException` - if any of the actual type parameters refer to a parameterized type that cannot be instantiated for any reason
    Since:
      1.5

  - ### getRawType

    Type getRawType()
    Returns the `Type` object representing the class or interface that declared this type.
    API Note:
      All `ParameterizedType` objects from core reflection return a `Class`. The static `Type` return type allows other implementations to represent classes and interfaces not in the current runtime.
    Returns:
      the `Type` object representing the class or interface that declared this type
    Since:
      1.5

  - ### getOwnerType

    Type getOwnerType()
    Returns a `Type` object representing the type that this type is a member of. For example, if this type is `O<T>.I<S>`, return a representation of `O<T>`.

    If this type is a top-level type, `null` is returned.

    Returns:
      a `Type` object representing the type that this type is a member of. If this type is a top-level type, `null` is returned
    Throws:
      `TypeNotPresentException` - if the owner type refers to a non-existent class or interface declaration
      `MalformedParameterizedTypeException` - if the owner type refers to a parameterized type that cannot be instantiated for any reason
    Since:
      1.5