Inheritance in Java is a mechanism in which one object acquires all the properties and behaviors of a parent object. It is an important part of OOPs (Object Oriented programming system).
Use of Inheritance in java:
1)For method overriding
2)For code reusability
Terms used in Inheritance:
1)Class: A class is a group of objects which have common properties. It is a template or blueprint from which objects are created.
2)Sub Class/Child Class: Subclass is a class which inherits the other class. It is also called a derived class, extended class, or child class.
3)Super Class/Parent Class: Superclass is the class from where a subclass inherits the features. It is also called a base class or a parent class.
4)Reusability: As the name specifies, reusability is a mechanism which facilitates you to reuse the fields and methods of the existing class when you create a new class. You can use the same fields and methods already defined in the previous class.
Syntax:
class Subclass-name extends Superclass-name
{
//methods and fields
}
Example:
class Employee
{
float salary=40000;
}
class Programmer extends Employee{
int bonus=10000;
public static void main(String args[]){
Programmer p=new Programmer();
System.out.println("Programmer salary is:"+p.salary);
System.out.println("Bonus of Programmer is:"+p.bonus);
}
}
Types of inheritance:
1)Single Inheritance:
When a class inherits another class, it is known as a single inheritance.
2)Multilevel Inheritance:
When there is a chain of inheritance, it is known as multilevel inheritance.
3)Hierarchical Inheritance:
When two or more classes inherits a single class, it is known as hierarchical inheritance.
