Unit 2 Notes

Syllabus:
Inheritance And Polymorphism: Basic concepts of Inheritance, Types of inheritance,
Member access rules, this keyword, Super keyword, Method Overloading, Method
overriding, abstract classes, final keyword.

Inheritance in Java
.
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).
The idea behind inheritance in Java is that you can create new classes that are built
upon existing classes. When you inherit from an existing class, you can reuse methods
and fields of the parent class. Moreover, you can add new methods and fields in your
current class also.
Inheritance represents the IS-A relationship which is also known as
a parent-child relationship.
Why use inheritance in java
o For Method Overriding (so runtime polymorphism can be achieved).
o For Code Reusability.

Terms used in Inheritance

o Class: A class is a group of objects which have common properties. It is a
template or blueprint from which objects are created.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
The syntax of Java Inheritance

1. class Subclass-name extends Superclass-name

2. {
3. //methods and fields
4. }
The extends keyword indicates that you are making a new class that derives from an
existing class. The meaning of "extends" is to increase the functionality.
 In the terminology of Java, a class which is inherited is called a parent or superclass,
and the new class is called child or subclass.
Java Inheritance Example

As displayed in the above figure, Programmer is the subclass and Employee is the
superclass. The relationship between the two classes is Programmer IS-A Employee.
It means that Programmer is a type of Employee.

1. class Employee{
2. float salary=40000;
3. }
4. class Programmer extends Employee{
5. int bonus=10000;
6. public static void main(String args[]){
7. Programmer p=new Programmer();
8. System.out.println("Programmer salary is:"+p.salary);
9. System.out.println("Bonus of Programmer is:"+p.bonus);
10. }
11. }
Output:
Programmer salary is:40000.0
Bonus of programmer is:10000
In the above example, Programmer object can access the field of own class as well as
of Employee class i.e. code reusability.

Types of inheritance in java

On the basis of class, there can be three types of inheritance in java: single, multilevel
and hierarchical.
In java programming, multiple and hybrid inheritance is supported through interface
only. We will learn about interfaces later.
 Note: Multiple inheritance is not supported in Java through class.
When one class inherits multiple classes, it is known as multiple inheritance. For
Example:

Single Inheritance Example

When a class inherits another class, it is known as a single inheritance. In the example
given below, Dog class inherits the Animal class, so there is the single inheritance.
File: TestInheritance.java

1. class Animal{
2. void eat(){System.out.println("eating...");}
3. }
4. class Dog extends Animal{
5. void bark(){System.out.println("barking...");}
6. }
7. class TestInheritance{
8. public static void main(String args[]){
9. Dog d=new Dog();
10. d.bark();
11. d.eat();
12. }}
Output:
barking...
eating...
Multilevel Inheritance Example
When there is a chain of inheritance, it is known as multilevel inheritance. As you can
see in the example given below, BabyDog class inherits the Dog class which again
inherits the Animal class, so there is a multilevel inheritance.
File: TestInheritance2.java

1. class Animal{
2. void eat(){System.out.println("eating...");}
3. }
4. class Dog extends Animal{
5. void bark(){System.out.println("barking...");}
6. }
7. class BabyDog extends Dog{
8. void weep(){System.out.println("weeping...");}
9. }
10. class TestInheritance2{
11. public static void main(String args[]){
12. BabyDog d=new BabyDog();
13. d.weep();
14. d.bark();
15. d.eat();
16. }}
Output:
weeping...
barking...
eating...
Hierarchical Inheritance Example
When two or more classes inherits a single class, it is known as hierarchical
inheritance. In the example given below, Dog and Cat classes inherits the Animal
class, so there is hierarchical inheritance.
File: TestInheritance3.java

1. class Animal{
2. void eat(){System.out.println("eating...");}
3. }
4. class Dog extends Animal{
5. void bark(){System.out.println("barking...");}
6. }
7. class Cat extends Animal{
8. void meow(){System.out.println("meowing...");}
9. }
10. class TestInheritance3{
11. public static void main(String args[]){
12. Cat c=new Cat();
13. c.meow();
14. c.eat();
15. //c.bark();//C.T.Error
16. }}
Output:
meowing...
eating...
Q) Why multiple inheritance is not supported in
java?
To reduce the complexity and simplify the language, multiple inheritance is not
supported in java.
Consider a scenario where A, B, and C are three classes. The C class inherits A and B
classes. If A and B classes have the same method and you call it from child class
object, there will be ambiguity to call the method of A or B class.
Since compile-time errors are better than runtime errors, Java renders compile-time
error if you inherit 2 classes. So whether you have same method or different, there
will be compile time error.

1. class A{
2. void msg(){System.out.println("Hello");}
3. }
4. class B{
5. void msg(){System.out.println("Welcome");}
6. }
7. class C extends A,B{//suppose if it were
8.
9. public static void main(String args[]){
10. C obj=new C();
11. obj.msg();//Now which msg() method would be invoked?
12. }
13. }
Output:
Compile Time Error

this keyword in Java

There can be a lot of usage of Java this keyword. In Java, this is a reference
variable that refers to the current object.

Usage of Java this keyword

Here is given the 6 usage of java this keyword.
1. this can be used to refer current class instance variable.
2. this can be used to invoke current class method (implicitly)
3. this() can be used to invoke current class constructor.
4. this can be passed as an argument in the method call.
5. this can be passed as argument in the constructor call.
6. this can be used to return the current class instance from the method.

1) this: to refer current class instance variable

The this keyword can be used to refer current class instance variable. If there is
ambiguity between the instance variables and parameters, this keyword resolves the
problem of ambiguity.
Let's understand the problem if we don't use this keyword by the example given
below:

1. class Student{
2. int rollno;
3. String name;
4. float fee;
5. Student(int rollno,String name,float fee){
6. rollno=rollno;
7. name=name;
8. fee=fee;
9. }
10. void display(){System.out.println(rollno+" "+name+" "+fee);}
11. }
12. class TestThis1{
13. public static void main(String args[]){
14. Student s1=new Student(111,"ankit",5000f);
15. Student s2=new Student(112,"sumit",6000f);
16. s1.display();
17. s2.display();
18. }}
Output:
0 null 0.0
0 null 0.0
In the above example, parameters (formal arguments) and instance variables are same.
So, we are using this keyword to distinguish local variable and instance variable.
Solution of the above problem by this keyword

1. class Student{
2. int rollno;
3. String name;
4. float fee;
5. Student(int rollno,String name,float fee){
6. this.rollno=rollno;
7. this.name=name;
8. this.fee=fee;
9. }
10. void display(){System.out.println(rollno+" "+name+" "+fee);}
11. }
12.
13. class TestThis2{
14. public static void main(String args[]){
15. Student s1=new Student(111,"ankit",5000f);
16. Student s2=new Student(112,"sumit",6000f);
17. s1.display();
18. s2.display();
19. }}
Output:
111 ankit 5000.0
112 sumit 6000.0
 If local variables(formal arguments) and instance variables are different, there is no
need to use this keyword
2) this: to invoke current class method
You may invoke the method of the current class by using the this keyword. If you
don't use the this keyword, compiler automatically adds this keyword while invoking
the method. Let's see the example
1. class A{
2. void m(){System.out.println("hello m");}
3. void n(){
4. System.out.println("hello n");
5. //m();//same as this.m()
6. this.m();
7. }
8. }
9. class TestThis4{
10. public static void main(String args[]){
11. A a=new A();
12. a.n();
13. }}
Output:
hello n
hello m
3) this() : to invoke current class constructor
The this() constructor call can be used to invoke the current class constructor. It is
used to reuse the constructor. In other words, it is used for constructor chaining.
Calling default constructor from parameterized constructor:

1. class A{
2. A(){System.out.println("hello a");}
3. A(int x){
4. this();
5. System.out.println(x);
6. }
7. }
8. class TestThis5{
9. public static void main(String args[]){
10. A a=new A(10);
11. }}
Output:
hello a
10
 Calling parameterized constructor from default constructor:

1. class A{
2. A(){
3. this(5);
4. System.out.println("hello a");
5. }
6. A(int x){
7. System.out.println(x);
8. }
9. }
10. class TestThis6{
11. public static void main(String args[]){
12. A a=new A();
13. }}
Output:
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
5
hello a

Super Keyword in Java

The super keyword in Java is a reference variable which is used to refer immediate
parent class object.
Whenever you create the instance of subclass, an instance of parent class is created
implicitly which is referred by super reference variable.
Usage of Java super Keyword
1. super can be used to refer immediate parent class instance variable.
2. super can be used to invoke immediate parent class method.
3. super() can be used to invoke immediate parent class constructor.
 1) super is used to refer immediate parent class
instance variable.
We can use super keyword to access the data member or field of parent class. It is
used if parent class and child class have same fields.

1. class Animal{
2. String color="white";
3. }
4. class Dog extends Animal{
5. String color="black";
6. void printColor(){
7. System.out.println(color);//prints color of Dog class
8. System.out.println(super.color);//prints color of Animal class
9. }
10. }
11. class TestSuper1{
12. public static void main(String args[]){
13. Dog d=new Dog();
14. d.printColor();
15. }}
Output:
black
white
In the above example, Animal and Dog both classes have a common property color. If
we print color property, it will print the color of current class by default. To access the
parent property, we need to use super keyword.
2) super can be used to invoke parent class method
The super keyword can also be used to invoke parent class method. It should be used
if subclass contains the same method as parent class. In other words, it is used if
method is overridden.

1. class Animal{
2. void eat(){System.out.println("eating...");}
3. }
4. class Dog extends Animal{
5. void eat(){System.out.println("eating bread...");}
6. void bark(){System.out.println("barking...");}
7. void work(){
8. super.eat();
9. bark();
10. }
11. }
12. class TestSuper2{
13. public static void main(String args[]){
14. Dog d=new Dog();
15. d.work();
16. }}
Output:
eating...
barking...
In the above example Animal and Dog both classes have eat() method if we call eat()
method from Dog class, it will call the eat() method of Dog class by default because
priority is given to local.
To call the parent class method, we need to use super keyword.
3) super is used to invoke parent class constructor.
The super keyword can also be used to invoke the parent class constructor. Let's see a
simple example:
1. class Animal{
2. Animal(){System.out.println("animal is created");}
3. }
4. class Dog extends Animal{
5. Dog(){
6. super();
7. System.out.println("dog is created");
8. }
9. }
10. class TestSuper3{
11. public static void main(String args[]){
12. Dog d=new Dog();
13. }}
Output:
animal is created
dog is created
Note: super() is added in each class constructor automatically by compiler if there is no super()
or this().
 As we know well that default constructor is provided by compiler automatically if
there is no constructor. But, it also adds super() as the first statement.
Another example of super keyword where super() is provided by the compiler
implicitly.

1. class Animal{
2. Animal(){System.out.println("animal is created");}
3. }
4. class Dog extends Animal{
5. Dog(){
super(); //compiler add super() implicitly.
6. System.out.println("dog is created");
7. }
8. }
9. class TestSuper4{
10. public static void main(String args[]){
11. Dog d=new Dog();
12. }}
Output:
animal is created
dog is created

Polymorhism in Java:
Polymorphism in Java is a concept by which we can perform a single action in
different ways. Polymorphism is derived from 2 Greek words: poly and morphs. The
word "poly" means many and "morphs" means forms. So polymorphism means many
forms.
 There are two types of polymorphism in Java: compile-time polymorphism and
runtime polymorphism. We can perform polymorphism in java by method
overloading and method overriding.

Compile-time polymorphism is achieved by Method Overloading.

Method Overloading in Java
If a class has multiple methods having same name but different in parameters, it is
known as Method Overloading.

If we have to perform only one operation, having same name of the methods increases
the readability of the program.

Suppose you have to perform addition of the given numbers but there can be any
number of arguments, if you write the method such as a(int,int) for two parameters,
and b(int,int,int) for three parameters then it may be difficult for you as well as other
programmers to understand the behavior of the method because its name differs.

So, we perform method overloading to figure out the program quickly.

There are two ways to overload the method in java

1. By changing number of arguments

2. By changing the data type

1) Method Overloading: changing no. of arguments

In this example, we have created two methods, first add() method performs addition
of two numbers and second add method performs addition of three numbers.

In this example, we are creating static methods so that we don't need to create
instance for calling methods.

1. class Adder{
2. static int add(int a,int b){return a+b;}
3. static int add(int a,int b,int c){return a+b+c;}
4. }
5. class TestOverloading1{
6. public static void main(String[] args){
7. System.out.println(Adder.add(11,11));
8. System.out.println(Adder.add(11,11,11));
9. }}

Output:

22
33

2) Method Overloading: changing data type of

arguments
In this example, we have created two methods that differs in data type. The first
add method receives two integer arguments and second add method receives
two double arguments.

1. class Adder{
2. static int add(int a, int b){return a+b;}
3. static double add(double a, double b){return a+b;}
4. }
5. class TestOverloading2{
6. public static void main(String[] args){
7. System.out.println(Adder.add(11,11));
8. System.out.println(Adder.add(12.3,12.6));
9. }}

Output:

22
24.9

Runtime polymorphism is achieved by Method Overriding.

Method Overriding in Java

If subclass (child class) has the same method as declared in the parent class, it
is known as method overriding in Java.

In other words, If a subclass provides the specific implementation of the method

that has been declared by one of its parent class, it is known as method
overriding.
 Usage of Java Method Overriding

o Method overriding is used to provide the specific implementation of a

method which is already provided by its superclass.
o Method overriding is used for runtime polymorphism

Rules for Java Method Overriding

1. The method must have the same name as in the parent class
2. The method must have the same parameter as in the parent class.
3. There must be an IS-A relationship (inheritance).

Example of method overriding

In this example, we have defined the run method in the subclass as defined in
the parent class but it has some specific implementation. The name and
parameter of the method are the same, and there is IS-A relationship between
the classes, so there is method overriding.

1. //Java Program to illustrate the use of Java Method Overriding

2. //Creating a parent class.
3. class Vehicle{
4. //defining a method
5. void run(){System.out.println("Vehicle is running");}
6. }
7. //Creating a child class
8. class Bike2 extends Vehicle{
9. //defining the same method as in the parent class
10. void run(){System.out.println("Bike is running safely");}
11.
12. public static void main(String args[]){
13. Bike2 obj = new Bike2();//creating object
14. obj.run();//calling method
15. }
16. }

Output:

Bike is running safely

A real example of Java Method Overriding

Consider a scenario where Bank is a class that provides functionality to get the
rate of interest. However, the rate of interest varies according to banks. For
example, SBI, ICICI and AXIS banks could provide 8%, 7%, and 9% rate of
interest.

Java method overriding is mostly used in Runtime Polymorphism which we will learn in
next pages.

1. class Bank{
2. int getRateOfInterest(){return 0;}
3. }
4. //Creating child classes.
5. class SBI extends Bank{
6. int getRateOfInterest(){return 8;}
7. }
8.
9. class ICICI extends Bank{
10. int getRateOfInterest(){return 7;}
11. }
12. class AXIS extends Bank{
13. int getRateOfInterest(){return 9;}
14. }
15. //Test class to create objects and call the methods
16. class Test2{
17. public static void main(String args[]){
18. SBI s=new SBI();
19. ICICI i=new ICICI();
20. AXIS a=new AXIS();
21. System.out.println("SBI Rate of Interest: "+s.getRateOfInterest());
22. System.out.println("ICICI Rate of Interest: "+i.getRateOfInterest());
23. System.out.println("AXIS Rate of Interest: "+a.getRateOfInterest());
24. }
25. }
Output:
SBI Rate of Interest: 8
ICICI Rate of Interest: 7
AXIS Rate of Interest: 9

Abstraction in Java
Abstraction is a process of hiding the implementation details and showing only
functionality to the user.

Another way, it shows only essential things to the user and hides the internal
details, for example, sending SMS where you type the text and send the
message. You don't know the internal processing about the message delivery.

Ways to achieve Abstraction

There are two ways to achieve abstraction in java

1. Abstract class (0 to 100%)

2. Interface (100%)
Abstract class in Java
A class which is declared as abstract is known as an abstract class. It can
have abstract and non-abstract methods. It needs to be extended and its
method implemented. It cannot be instantiated.

Points to Remember

o An abstract class must be declared with an abstract keyword.

o It can have abstract and non-abstract methods.
o It cannot be instantiated.
o It can have constructors and static methods also.
o It can have final methods which will force the subclass not to change the
body of the method.

1. If a class contains at least one abstract method then compulsory should

declare a class as abstract
2. If the Child class is unable to provide implementation to all abstract methods
of the Parent class then we should declare that Child class as abstract so that
the next level Child class should provide implementation to the remaining
abstract method

Example of abstract class

abstract class A{}

Abstract Method in Java

A method which is declared as abstract and does not have implementation is
known as an abstract method.

Example of abstract method

abstract void printStatus();//no method body and abstract

Example of Abstract class that has an abstract

method
In this example, Bike is an abstract class that contains only one abstract
method run. Its implementation is provided by the Honda class.
1. abstract class Bike{
2. abstract void run();
3. }
4. class Honda4 extends Bike{
5. void run(){System.out.println("running safely");}
6. public static void main(String args[]){
7. Bike obj = new Honda4();
8. obj.run();
9. }
10. }
Output:
running safely

Understanding the real scenario of Abstract

class
In this example, Shape is the abstract class, and its implementation is provided
by the Rectangle and Circle classes.

In this example, if you create the instance of Rectangle class, draw() method of
Rectangle class will be invoked.

File: TestAbstraction1.java

1. abstract class Shape{

2. abstract void draw();
3. }
4. //In real scenario, implementation is provided by others i.e. unknown by
end user
5. class Rectangle extends Shape{
6. void draw(){System.out.println("drawing rectangle");}
7. }
8. class Circle1 extends Shape{
9. void draw(){System.out.println("drawing circle");}
10. }
11. //In real scenario, method is called by programmer or user
12. class TestAbstraction1{
13. public static void main(String args[]){
14. Shape s=new Circle1();//In a real scenario, object is provided through
method, e.g., getShape() method
15. s.draw();
16. }
17. }
Output:

drawing circle

Another example of Abstract class in java

1. abstract class Bank{
2. abstract int getRateOfInterest();
3. }
4. class SBI extends Bank{
5. int getRateOfInterest(){return 7;}
6. }
7. class PNB extends Bank{
8. int getRateOfInterest(){return 8;}
9. }
10.
11. class TestBank{
12. public static void main(String args[]){
13. Bank b;
14. b=new SBI();
15. System.out.println("Rate of Interest is: "+b.getRateOfInterest()+" %");
16. b=new PNB();
17. System.out.println("Rate of Interest is: "+b.getRateOfInterest()+" %");
18. }}
Output:

Rate of Interest is: 7 %

Rate of Interest is: 8 %

Final Keyword In Java

The final keyword in java is used to restrict the user. The java final keyword
can be used in many context. Final can be:

1. variable
2. method
3. class

The final keyword can be applied with the variables, a final variable that have
no value it is called blank final variable or uninitialized final variable. It can be
initialized in the constructor only. The blank final variable can be static also
which will be initialized in the static block only. We will have detailed learning of
these. Let's first learn the basics of final keyword.

1) Java final variable

If you make any variable as final, you cannot change the value of final
variable(It will be constant).

Example of final variable

 There is a final variable speedlimit, we are going to change the value of this
variable, but It can't be changed because final variable once assigned a value
can never be changed.

1. class Bike9{
2. final int speedlimit=90;//final variable
3. void run(){
4. speedlimit=400;
5. }
6. public static void main(String args[]){
7. Bike9 obj=new Bike9();
8. obj.run();
9. }
10. }//end of class

Output:Compile Time Error

2) Java final method

If you make any method as final, you cannot override it.

Example of final method

1. class Bike{
2. final void run(){System.out.println("running");}
3. }
4.
5. class Honda extends Bike{
6. void run(){System.out.println("running safely with 100kmph");}
7.
8. public static void main(String args[]){
9. Honda honda= new Honda();
10. honda.run();
11. }
12. }
Output:Compile Time Error

3) Java final class

If you make any class as final, you cannot extend it.

Example of final class

1. final class Bike{}

2.
3. class Honda1 extends Bike{
4. void run(){System.out.println("running safely with 100kmph");}
5.
6. public static void main(String args[]){
7. Honda1 honda= new Honda1();
8. honda.run();
9. }
10. }
Output:Compile Time Error

Q) Is final method inherited?

Ans) Yes, final method is inherited but you cannot override it. For Example:

1. class Bike{
2. final void run(){System.out.println("running...");}
3. }
4. class Honda2 extends Bike{
5. public static void main(String args[]){
6. new Honda2().run();
7. }
8. }
 Output:running...

Q) What is blank or uninitialized final variable?

A final variable that is not initialized at the time of declaration is known as blank
final variable.

If you want to create a variable that is initialized at the time of creating object
and once initialized may not be changed, it is useful. For example PAN CARD
number of an employee.

It can be initialized only in constructor.

static blank final variable

A static final variable that is not initialized at the time of declaration is known as
static blank final variable. It can be initialized only in static block.

Example of static blank final variable

1. class A{
2. static final int data;//static blank final variable
3. static{ data=50;}
4. public static void main(String args[]){
5. System.out.println(A.data);
6. }
7. }