A subclass is a class that comes from another class. A subclass follows the condition and behavior of all their ancestors. The concept of superclass identifies a class’s direct ancestor and all their ascendant classes.
What is Java Inheritance?
When it comes to Java, Inheritance can be used when a class desires to inherit the characteristics of another existing class. The class which usually aims to utilize the feature of another class is known as the subclass, while the class whose features have to be used is known as the superclass.
That leads to the query, “Where will it all start?” The top-most class, the derived class, is an Object class described in java.lang. The object is a root structure of classes.
The below figure shows those two types of classes:
The subclass follows conditions and behavior such as variables and methods from the superclass. The subclass may use just the items inherited from the superclass, and the subclass may change or override this. Therefore, as you fall into the hierarchy, the classes become more and more specific:
Inheriting from Object
Every class inherits directly from the Object class
In the above diagram
public class Wholesaler extends Object { …….. }
public class Retailer extends Wholesaler { …….. }
public class Raw-Material { …………}
The extended keyword shows the parent class that the subclass is usually inherited and cannot be applied as identifiers.
In public class, Raw-Material no needs to extend the keyword; it is directly accessing the Object class.
Understanding Java Inheritance with an example
Inheritance describes the is-a relationship among a Superclass as well as a Subclass. Extends and implements key terms prefer to express inheritance in Java.
Different types are as per given below.
- Single Inheritance
- Multilevel Inheritance
- Hierarchical Inheritance
- Multiple Inheritance
- Hybrid Inheritance
1. Single Inheritance
If a class extends an additional class, such a form of inheritance is called single-level inheritance.
public class A {
………..
}
public class B extends A {
………..
}
Class B has extended class A, so class B uses the method displayA() of class A because it is its own method.
2. Multi-Level Inheritance
If a class extends an additional class, which can be itself extended by simply an additional class, such a form of inheritance is called multilevel inheritance.
public class A { ……………… }
public class B extends A { ……………… }
public class C extends B { ……………… }
Output:
Class A is extended by simply class B. Then class B is by itself extended by class C, which provides class C with direct access to the method displayA() and displayB() of class A and as well B by simply getting at these an object of class C (without having to generate objects of class A and B).
3. Hierarchical Inheritance
When a couple of classes inherit the same class, this is known as hierarchical inheritance. For example, classes B and C extend the same class A.
public class A { ……………… }
public class B extends A { ……………… }
public class C extends A { ……………… }
If a class has more than one child class (subclasses) and more than one child class has a similar parent class, then such inheritance is called hierarchical inheritance.
We are writing a code where class B and C extends class A
4. Multiple Inheritance
The syntax for Multiple Inheritance
public class A { ……………… }
public class B extends A { ……………… }
public class D extends A, B, C { ……………….. }
Java would not support multiple inheritances. This is because multiple inheritances cause ambiguity, and thus, Java does not use it. Diamond issue assists with comprehension of this scenario.
However, multiple inheritances in Java may be accomplished by using interfaces. Regardless of the many quantities of interfaces in a class with an exact method, there is no indication of ambiguity since methods within an interface are often abstract.
The other way is to use interfaces. Interfaces will start becoming important.
An interface specifies the form of its methods but does not give any implementation details; therefore, you can think of it much like the declaration of a class.
You can create the interface with the interface keyword:
interface C
{
…………………………
}
interface b
{
…………………….
}
class a implements b, c
{
………………………
}
We can use these two interfaces with the implements keyword:
5. Hybrid Inheritance
Hybrid inheritance is mostly a mixture of more than one type of inheritance. When classes A and B extend class C, Plus another class, D extends class A; this can be a hybrid inheritance since it is a variety of single and hierarchical inheritance.
Output:
Stopping Inheritance with final keyword
You can prevent the class from being a subclass by declaring the entire class final below.
final class animal
{
public void breathe()
{
System.out.println("Breathing...");
}
}
class dog extends animal
{
public void breathe()
{
System.out.println("Barking...");
}
}
public class history
{
public static void main(String[] args)
{
System.out.println("Creating an animal...");
animal a = new animal();
a.breathe();
System.out.println();
System.out.println("Creating an bulldog...");
dog d = new dog();
d.breathe();
}
}
If you try to execute this code:
Can’t subclass final classes: class animal class dog extends animal 1 error generated.
Creating Constants with final keyword
To prevent method overriding and to prevent subclassing. There is another use for final in Java; you can use it to declare constants.
As per the below code:
public class history
{
public static void main(String[] args)
{
final int a = 4;
a = 5;
}
}
If you try to execute this code:
Can’t assign a value to a final variable: a 1 error generated
Top Java Inheritance Companies
The top java inheritance companies include:
- Intel
- VM ware
- Adobe
- Nvidia
- Amazon
- Cisco
- Akamai
- Philips electronics.
- IBM
- SAP
Advantages
One of the main features of inheritance is used to decrease the amount of duplicate code in an application form by sharing ordinary code between many subclasses. Where equal code can be obtained in two related classes, the hierarchy can usually be refactored to transfer the ordinary code to a mutual superclass. This will result in a superior organization of code and smaller, easier compilation units.
- Inheritance: It can make application code much more adaptable to modify simply because classes inherited from a standard superclass may be used interchangeably. When the return type of a procedure is the superclass.
- Reusability: Ability to manage public methods of a base class without rewriting the similar.
- Extensibility: Extending the base class logic according to the business logic of the derived class.
- Data hiding: The base class wants to keep a few private data, so the derived class never modifies it.
- Overriding: With inheritance, we can override the base class’s methods, so important implementation of the base class method could be completed in the derived class.
Why should we use it?
Inheritance is a practical programming concept, but it may be simple to use inappropriately. Usually, interfaces are effective and more efficient.
Inheritance is the best choice when:
- Your inheritance hierarchy signifies an “is-a” relationship but not a “has-a” relationship.
- You may reuse the code from the base classes.
- You may need to apply similar classes and ways to distinct data types.
- The class hierarchy is relatively shallow, and other developers are not contributing many more phases.
- You wish to create global variations to derived classes by modifying a base class.
Why do we need it?
It is an OOP (object-oriented programming) concept. The primary purpose of inheritance is to create a new part of your project’s code reusable, possibly adding or eliminating features. A child class could inherit or override methods chosen from the parent class; it is the methods from without exchanging the parent class. This can include its own new methods, which is usually not found in the child class.
- Encapsulation: When we involve some common attributes, we encapsulate these in a parent class and simply provide particular attributes to child classes.
- Polymorphism: We could utilize Polymorphism with Inheritance in Java. The same class acts differently to ensure according to the form of the Child’s class.
- Code Reusability: Applying Inheritance can help reuse code.
- Efficiency: It can be effective to apply Inheritance while writing code. This could boost the speed of the task.
Like in real life, a child could inherit selected features from his parents and, through selected environmental variations, develop new features or drop features he attained from his parents.
Who is the right audience for learning Java Inheritance technologies?
When thinking about what should be done with it, several developers think of building:
Android Developer
Android is the most effective mobile operating system in today’s competitive market, with more than 1.5 million new devices activated daily. Android training offers you hands-on experience in creating and constructing easy to complex Android apps, ensuring you are proficient in acquiring your dream IT job. You could have an excellent history in programming, but Android training will benefit you and enhance your abilities.
Android is growing, so when you learn the fundamental principles as well as features, your skill set will grow correct in addition to it. Developers can make games and apps for Android users and spread them through an open world. Android training is amongst the most intelligent facts a developer can accomplish, so it has many benefits.
IoT Developer
You can hear much about the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is all around, from sensors in enormous industrial machinery to smart-house devices like digital security cameras. Did you know the popular Nest thermostat will depend on a remarkable combination of Java and AI? A few smart vending machines are Java-dependent, working with software to track inventory, temperature, humidity, and region. Furthermore, several wearable technology applications are designed in Java Inheritance.
Big Data Analysis
Nowadays, big data analysis is at the core of one of the most exciting uses of technology. Research studies in several key industries are applying innovative data analysis techniques to learn new patterns in large volumes of data also to figure out complex processes better.
Embedded Systems
Embedded systems, from small chips to specialized computers, are components of bigger electromechanical devices executing committed tasks. Like SIM cards, many devices, blue-ray disk players, utility meters, and television sets use embedded Java solutions. According to Oracle, 100% of Blu-ray Disc Players and 125 million Television devices utilize Java.
How will this technology help you in career growth?
Java is among the most prominent and essentially used programming languages on the globe of Information Technology. Furthermore, Java is a fundamental programming language that a fresher can quickly learn. As per the report by Oracle, Java runs on over 3 Billion devices..!
Java is an evergreen programming language. Almost all known companies, including IBM, Infosys, CTS, and TCS, apply Java as their ideal Programming Language.
Today the Existing trends Java developers can play with are listed below –
- Java with Selenium Automation Tester
- Java with DevOps
- Java with Hadoop Development
Conclusion – What is Java Inheritance
It is a powerful weapon of Java that can help to succeed in the most suitable language. It can minimize code duplication and reduce bugs. With the code set in the parent class, you can no longer prefer to write similar code for many child classes with the characteristics. Inheritance in Java executes code reusability.
Recommended Articles
This is a guide to What is Java Inheritance? Here we have discussed the basic concept, use, need, career growth, and advantages of Java Inheritance. You can also go through our other suggested articles to learn more –