/**
   * Returns the identity function.
   *
   * <p><b>Discouraged:</b> Prefer using a lambda like {@code v -> v}, which is shorter and often
   * more readable.
   */
  // implementation is "fully variant"; E has become a "pass-through" type
  @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
  public static <E extends @Nullable Object> Function<E, E> identity() {
    return (Function<E, E>) IdentityFunction.INSTANCE;
  }

  // enum singleton pattern

  /**
   * Returns the identity function.
   *
   * <p><b>Discouraged:</b> Prefer using a lambda like {@code v -> v}, which is shorter and often
   * more readable.
   */
  // implementation is "fully variant"; E has become a "pass-through" type
  @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
  public static <E extends @Nullable Object> Function<E, E> identity() {
    return (Function<E, E>) IdentityFunction.INSTANCE;
  }

  // enum singleton pattern