Name: stC104175 Date: 06/30/2000


java version "1.3.0"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.3.0-C)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.3.0-C, mixed mode)


I request a small feature list enhancement to the abstract List interface of
the Collection Framework.

The problem occurs when one whishes to clone a list through the abstract List
interface.
This is impossible because the List interface doesn't extend Cloneable nor
redefine the clone method public:
  List l= new LinkedList();
  List l2= (List ) l.clone();
produce an error "method clone is protected in Object".

The only way I have found so far is to go to the actual implementation:
  List l2= (List ) ((LinkedList ) l).clone();
This is not only ugly, but also is in a sense against the Collection framework
objectives.

A better alternative would be that List extends Cloneable or "publicize" the
clone method.

Thank you for your attention.
(Review ID: 106736)
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