Java Inheritance
Categories: Java 8(JDK1.8)
Java Inheritance (Subclass and Superclass)
In Java, it is possible to inherit attributes and methods from one class to another. We group the "inheritance concept" into two categories:
1. subclass (child) - the class that inherits from another class
2. superclass (parent) - the class being inherited from
3. To inherit from a class, use the extends keyword.
In the example below, the Car class (subclass) inherits the attributes and methods from the Vehicle class (superclass):
Did you notice the protected modifier in Vehicle?
We set the brand attribute in Vehicle to a protected access modifier. If it was set to private, the Car class would not be able to access it.
Why And When To Use "Inheritance"?
- It is useful for code reusability: reuse attributes and methods of an existing class when you create a new class.