SimpleList Question

Im having trouble figuring out list, I have a question regarding the following to lines

private SimpleList<String> merge (SimpleList<String> x, SimpleList<String> y)


private SimpleList<Integer> searchLine(String line, String s)


I just was wondering what is the difference when it says (SimpleList <String>) & then When it just says (String). When SimpleList is not there what can I now do or not do?

2nd Question the after Private SimpleList what is the word in the <> referencing regarding my code?

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I just was wondering what is the difference when it says (SimpleList <String>) & then When it just says (String).

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They are different classes.

SimpleList <String> = Assuming SimpleList implements the List interface, this is a List class whose contents are Strings.

String = The String class.

Quote:

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what is the word in the <> referencing

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This is generics. Read this tutorial