Using generics results in more robust code and avoids ClassCastExceptions in your Java programs. This in-depth tutorial introduces you to generics and their types and methods.

As outlined in Item #2 of the Second Edition of Effective Java, there are several disadvantages to using constructors with large parameter lists. To help illustrate, I include a code listing below.

The Java language spec lists 10 Java constructor types, including default, no-args, canonical, private parameterized, generic, overloaded and anonymous.

What's the benefit of making a private constructor and a public getInstance method? I understand why you would make the constructor private: to keep someone from instantiating a class.