Reference to a class in java

Question

Is it possible to store a reference to a class in java(for example String), similar to python: Java:

class Cl {
    //
}

ArrayList<somethinghere> a;
a.add(Cl);

Python

class Cl:
    pass

A=[Cl]

You probably want to use Cl.class. This could be stored in a List<Class<?>> — AxelH
– AxelH, Commented Oct 16, 2017 at 7:59

Eugene · Accepted Answer · 2017-10-16 08:01:35Z

2

Something like this:

 Class<String> clazz = String.class
 Class<Cl> clazz2 = Cl.class;
 List<Class<Cl>> list = new ArrayList<>();
 list.add(clazz2);

answered Oct 16, 2017 at 8:01

Eugene

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1 Comment

How do i access the methods (like constructor) of a class stored in a reference. Simply doing clazz() gives some errors

AxelH · Accepted Answer · 2017-10-16 08:13:47Z

1

You can get the Class instance for your class using the static field class.

In your case Cl.class is the value you want.

This can be stored in a variable of type Class<?> or in a List<Class<?>>

Class<?> clazz = Test.class;

answered Oct 16, 2017 at 8:03

AxelH

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