A bounded generic method in Java
Java interview exercise on Generics & Optional, difficulty 2 of 3. Solve it in the editor beside a worked example, or cold in Interview mode with the example hidden; the tests run the moment you do.
Write static <T extends Comparable<T>> T maxOf(List<T> items) that returns the largest element by compareTo, or throws NoSuchElementException for an empty list. The bound is what lets you call compareTo on a T. Do not sort the list.
Each exercise pairs a worked example with a twin problem to solve in a real editor; the tests run the moment you do. Interview mode hides the example: solve it from memory, without the hint or the solution, and it counts as solved cold. Progress is saved in your browser, and in your account if you sign in.