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I can't remember exactly how it works, but I'm pretty sure you won't be allowed to compile code that breaks genericity.

Remember, a generic class provides genericity, but you provide the parameter. The only situation that breaks this is if member variables are public - which they shouldn't be.

Hi,
According to the GJ specification, the compiler does store extra parameter information in the class files. There is a process called 'retrofitting' which allows to add this extra information to existing classes.
The Java 2 Collection classes which come with the generics compiler were retrofitted in this way. If, however, you use the 'raw types' it is possible to compile code which violates type constraints, and which will fail only at runtime (the compiler will give an unchecked warning, though).

No its not a limitation but the nature of late binding. Sure you can use a precompiled class like it were a library and access the methods directly since you will know what the signatures are. You are within your rights to create as many illegal casts as you want. The point is Generics will not itself create any bad casts. Nobody can stop a mad programmer...