How do I specify a generic for an instance field?

[Nosrettap]

How do I specify a generic for an instance field? What is the correct syntax?
For example how do I make an instance field of type T where T extends Sprite? I'm thinking something like the following but it doesn't seem to work:

private <T extends Sprite> Collection<T> someName;

For methods I can just write the following

public <T extends Sprite> void foo(Collection<T> param)...

but I'm not sure how to do this for a field. My class is not generic in itself and I do not wish it to be.

[toadaly]

I would have it simply be a collection of Sprite.

private Collection<Sprite> someName;

[Nosrettap]

How do I specify a generic for an instance field? What is the correct syntax?
For example how do I make an instance field of type T where T extends Sprite? I'm thinking something like the following but it doesn't seem to work:

private <T extends Sprite> Collection<T> someName;

For methods I can just write the following

public <T extends Sprite> void foo(Collection<T> param)...

but I'm not sure how to do this for a field. My class is not generic in itself and I do not wish it to be.

[dlorde]

I don't believe you can do this unless the class is generic. With generic methods, the compiler can work out the type T from the arguments used, but for a member field, it has nothing to go on, unless T has been specified in the class instantiation.

If you explain what you are trying to achieve, we may be able to find an alternative approach.

[snotmare]

In your case, it would be:

private Collection<? extends Sprite> someName;

[Fubarable]

Moderator action: Two threads merged. Origin poster, please don't double post your questions.