java: multidimensional generic array creation

Question

How do I make a multidimensional array of generic items in java?

Consider the class:

class A<T>
  {
    T t;
    public A(T t) { this.t = t; }
  }

When I try to create a multidimensional array:

A<String>[][] array = new A<String>[2][3];

I get the following error:

generic array creation
A<String>[][] array = new A<String>[2][3];
                      ^

I tried the following:

A<String>[][] array = (A<String>[][]) (new Object[2]3]);

But that just throws: java.lang.ClassCastException

What's the fix?

(I anticipate people recommending to use lists. Please explain how to achieve this using arrays.)

Answer 1

I was able to do something like this

    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked") 
    A<String>[][] array = (A<String>[][]) Array.newInstance(new A<String>("dummy").getClass(), 2, 3);

EDIT:

from @dsg's suggestion the following skips the creation of a temporary object.

    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked") 
    A<String>[][] array = (A<String>[][]) Array.newInstance(A.class, 2, 3);

or (from @irreputable's suggestion)

 @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
 A<String>[][] array = new A[2][3];