are `someList is List<*>` and `someList is L...

# getting-started

[JG]

are someList is List<*> and someList is List equivalent? and what if it is not List but a random generic class?

[Youssef Shoaib [MOD]]

The second is (rarely) allowed by the compiler. I believe it only works if someList is an Iterable. That's because if someList is Iterable<T>, then checking is List clearly means is List<T> and the generic is not "unchecked" because it was pre-known

[JG]

okay, thanks

[JG]

actually, it seems to work for normal custom classes as well: https://pl.kotl.in/dekStWRol

[JG]

ah but not if we use some other variable or value in the test

[JG]

it seems to work as long as the type is the same but only the generic parameter differs in type
but if we use some other type itself, then it requires <*>