Why isn't List.toArray() generic?

Question

Why isn't List.toArray() generic? Why must you give the type as an argument (and usually create a new empty instance)?

public Object[] toArray()

http://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/api/java/util/List.html#toArray()

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Update: I have since learned that generic array creation is not allowed, but I believe that it should be. Is there any reason why it's not allowed?

Main.java:28: error: generic array creation
        T[] ret = new T[size()]; 

http://ideone.com/3nX0cz

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Update: Ok I believe this is the answer:

http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/java/generics/restrictions.html#createArrays

Not because it is directly relevant, but indirectly relevant. There is nothing inherently wrong with new T[size()], where MyList<String> would be turned into new String[size()], but T could itself be a parameterized type. So if you were to create MyList<Set<Integer>>, then T would equal Set<Integer> and the compiler would try to create new Set<Integer>[size()], which could lead to the problem in the link when returned. Someone tried to give an answer along these lines but that answer has since been deleted so I forgot who it was.

Answer 1

This method is supposed to create a new array. But, if you don't have the Class information of T, you cannot do that.

You cannot say T[] array = new T[list.size()];

If you pass the array as a parameter (like in the other method) there is no problem.