Practical Reified Patterns: Parsing, DI & Serialization
Apply reified generics to JSON parsing, dependency resolution, and reflection helpers.
The Three Main Use Cases
Reified type parameters shine in three recurring Kotlin patterns: JSON/data parsing, dependency injection, and serialization helpers. Each eliminates boilerplate ::class.java arguments.
Pattern 1 — Type-Safe JSON Parsing
Wrap Gson or Jackson in a reified extension so callers never pass a Class explicitly:
inline fun <reified T> String.parseJson(): T =
Gson().fromJson(this, T::class.java)
val user: User = jsonString.parseJson()All lessons in this course
- inline Functions: Eliminating Lambda Overhead
- noinline and crossinline Modifiers
- reified Type Parameters: Accessing T at Runtime
- Practical Reified Patterns: Parsing, DI & Serialization