*
   * <p><b>Note:</b> this method is now unnecessary and should be treated as deprecated. Instead,
   * use the {@code HashMap} constructor directly, taking advantage of <a
   * href="http://goo.gl/iz2Wi">"diamond" syntax</a>.
   *
   * @return a new, empty {@code HashMap}
   */
  public static <K extends @Nullable Object, V extends @Nullable Object>
      HashMap<K, V> newHashMap() {
    return new HashMap<>();
  }