Java generics: List = new LinkedList>() is prohibited?

Question

How come, in Java, I can write

List list = new LinkedList();

but not

List>          


        

Answer 1

Edit: I was searching through Angelika Langer's FAQ for an explanation, but didn't find one (it's probably there, but hiding somewhere in the 500 pages).

Thank you very much for the answer. I found an explanation in the FAQ, and after some squinting at it I think I get it.

http://www.angelikalanger.com/GenericsFAQ/FAQSections/TypeArguments.html#What%20do%20multilevel%20wildcards%20mean?