Inheritance in Java

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What is Inheritance?


Inheritance in Java is a feature where one class (child) can use the properties and methods of another class (parent).

• The class that is inherited from is called Parent / Superclass
• The class that inherits is called Child / Subclass
• Java uses the keyword extends to achieve inheritance.

In short

• Parent class → Superclass
• Child class → Subclass
• Keyword used → extends

🧠 Real-World Idea


Think like this

• A Car is a Vehicle
• A Dog is an Animal
• A Student is a Person

This “IS-A” relationship is exactly what inheritance represents.


💻 Simple Code Example






class Vehicle {
void start() {
System.out.println("Vehicle is starting");
}
}

class Car extends Vehicle {
void drive() {
System.out.println("Car is driving");
}

public static void main(String[] args) {
Car c = new Car();
c.start(); // inherited
c.drive(); // own method
}
}







📌 Why Do We Need Inheritance?

• Code reusability
• Reduces duplicate code
• Improves maintainability
• Supports method overriding
• Helps achieve runtime polymorphism

📌 Types of Inheritance


1️⃣ Single Inheritance


One child → One parent









class A {}
class B extends A {}







✅ Advantages of Inheritance

• Code reusability
• Less duplication
• Easy maintenance
• Supports polymorphism
• Clean structure

❌ Disadvantages of Inheritance

• Tight coupling
• Parent changes affect child
• Complex hierarchy
• Not always flexible

More...