Thread: Java: Why isn't this allowed?

Consider this example of valid code:

Code:

class Test<E> {
    E[] array;
    
    Test() {
        array = (E[]) new Object[100];
    }
}

What is the reason that the following isn't allowed?

Code:

array = new E[100];

It seems stupid that this isn't allowed because the original code is unelegant and will generate a warning. It is also a needed construction in a lot of containers.
I don't see any reason why the 'new E'-notation shouldn't be allowed. It doesn't create any E objects, so E doesn't have to be a known type.

I've asked my lecturer, but she doesn't have an answer.