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notes oh inheritance

The document explains the various types of inheritance in Java, including Single, Multilevel, Hierarchical, Multiple (not supported), and Hybrid inheritance. Each type is described with diagrams and example code illustrating how subclasses inherit properties from superclasses. It also notes that Java does not support multiple inheritance directly to avoid complexity, instead allowing it through interfaces.

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gyashika198
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2 views

notes oh inheritance

The document explains the various types of inheritance in Java, including Single, Multilevel, Hierarchical, Multiple (not supported), and Hybrid inheritance. Each type is described with diagrams and example code illustrating how subclasses inherit properties from superclasses. It also notes that Java does not support multiple inheritance directly to avoid complexity, instead allowing it through interfaces.

Uploaded by

gyashika198
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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In Java, inheritance is a mechanism that allows one class to inherit the

properties (fields and methods) of another class. There are several types
of inheritance in Java, each with its own characteristics. Below are the
types of inheritance, along with diagrams and example code.

1. Single Inheritance

 A subclass inherits from a single superclass.


Diagram:

Superclass
 |
 Subclass
 Code:
class Animal {
void eat() {
System.out.println("Animal is eating.");
}
}

class Dog extends Animal {


void bark() {
System.out.println("Dog is barking.");
}
}

public class Main {


public static void main(String[] args) {
Dog dog = new Dog();
dog.eat(); // Inherited from Animal
dog.bark(); // Defined in Dog
}
}

2. Multilevel Inheritance

 A subclass inherits from a superclass, and another class inherits


from that subclass.
 Diagram:
Superclass
|
Subclass
|
Sub-Subclass
 Code:
class Animal {
void eat() {
System.out.println("Animal is eating.");
}
}
class Dog extends Animal {
void bark() {
System.out.println("Dog is barking.");
}
}

class Puppy extends Dog {


void weep() {
System.out.println("Puppy is weeping.");
}
}

public class Main {


public static void main(String[] args) {
Puppy puppy = new Puppy();
puppy.eat(); // Inherited from Animal
puppy.bark(); // Inherited from Dog
puppy.weep(); // Defined in Puppy
}
}

3. Hierarchical Inheritance

 Multiple subclasses inherit from a single superclass.


 Diagram:
Superclass
/ | \
Subclass1 Subclass2 Subclass3
 Code:
class Animal {
void eat() {
System.out.println("Animal is eating.");
}
}

class Dog extends Animal {


void bark() {
System.out.println("Dog is barking.");
}
}

class Cat extends Animal {


void meow() {
System.out.println("Cat is meowing.");
}
}

public class Main {


public static void main(String[] args) {
Dog dog = new Dog();
dog.eat(); // Inherited from Animal
dog.bark(); // Defined in Dog

Cat cat = new Cat();


cat.eat(); // Inherited from Animal
cat.meow(); // Defined in Cat
}
}

4. Multiple Inheritance (Not Supported in Java)

 A subclass inherits from multiple superclasses.


 Note: Java does not support multiple inheritance with classes to
avoid complexity and ambiguity (e.g., the "diamond problem").
 Diagram:
Copy

Superclass1 Superclass2
\ /
Subclass
 Workaround: Use interfaces to achieve multiple inheritance.
 Code:
java

Copy

interface Animal {
void eat();
}

interface Pet {
void play();
}

class Dog implements Animal, Pet {


public void eat() {
System.out.println("Dog is eating.");
}

public void play() {


System.out.println("Dog is playing.");
}
}

public class Main {


public static void main(String[] args) {
Dog dog = new Dog();
dog.eat(); // From Animal interface
dog.play(); // From Pet interface
}
}

5. Hybrid Inheritance

 A combination of two or more types of inheritance.


 Note: Java does not directly support hybrid inheritance due to the
lack of multiple inheritance support.
 Diagram:
Superclass
|
Subclass1
|
Subclass2
|
Subclass3
 Code: (Combination of single and hierarchical inheritance)
class Animal {
void eat() {
System.out.println("Animal is eating.");
}
}

class Dog extends Animal {


void bark() {
System.out.println("Dog is barking.");
}
}

class Puppy extends Dog {


void weep() {
System.out.println("Puppy is weeping.");
}
}

class Cat extends Animal {


void meow() {
System.out.println("Cat is meowing.");
}
}

public class Main {


public static void main(String[] args) {
Puppy puppy = new Puppy();
puppy.eat(); // Inherited from Animal
puppy.bark(); // Inherited from Dog
puppy.weep(); // Defined in Puppy

Cat cat = new Cat();


cat.eat(); // Inherited from Animal
cat.meow(); // Defined in Cat
}
}

Summary of Inheritance Types:

Supported in
Type Description
Java?
Single
Yes One subclass inherits from one superclass.
Inheritance
Multilevel Yes A chain of inheritance (e.g., A → B → C).
Multiple subclasses inherit from one
Hierarchical Yes
superclass.
Multiple No (with One subclass inherits from multiple
Supported in
Type Description
Java?
classes) superclasses (achieved via interfaces).
Hybrid No (directly) A combination of inheritance types.

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