Cast element in Java For Each statement

Question

Is it possible (or even advisable) to cast the element retrieved from a for each statement in the statement itself? I do know that each element in list will be of type <

Answer 1

Possible, yes! but god forbid, Why? My early attempts in my career did that and I have learnt. Programming to interfaces always has an advantage. I always get questions from junior developers about handling cases where only subtypes have the methods/functionality required.

Say Animal class with Dog subtype having method bark(). They want bark() functionality. The actual challenge is that they want a behaviour of animal communication not bark() but animal speak(). So a new Cat sub class would not require meow(). What about this then:- My dog's form a pack, but cats don't. The answer pack() behaviour is not owned by a single dog. Pack is a different aspect, pass a pack to all objects and ask the objects to join the pack. (Visitor pattern/Adapter pattern). My Wolf class can use the same behaviour.

Am I rigid about this, no if it is only 1 off instance I am fine. If the answer is I am not sure, then you better play safe by working at interface contracts.