INHERITANCE

INHERITANCE

1. Definitions: A class that is derived from another class is called a subclass (also a derived class, extended class, or child class). The class from which the subclass is derived is called a superclass (also a base class or a parent class).

   • Sample Code
     • The process by which one class adquires the properties(data members) and functionalities(methods) of another class is called inheritance. The aim of inheritance is to provide the reusability of code so that a class has to write only the unique features and rest of the common properties and functionalities can be extended from the another class.
       • Child Class: The class that extends the features of another class is known as child class, sub class or derived class. Parent Class: The class whose properties and functionalities are used(inherited) by another class is known as parent class, super class or Base class.
   • Types of inheritance
     • Multilevel inheritance: refers to a child and parent class relationship where a class extends the child class. For example class C extends class B and class B extends class A.
       • Hierarchical inheritance: refers to a child and parent class relationship where more than one classes extends the same class. For example, classes B, C & D extends the same class A.
         • Multiple Inheritance: refers to the concept of one class extending more than one classes, which means a child class has two parent classes. For example class C extends both classes A and B.
           • Hybrid inheritance: Combination of more than one types of inheritance in a single program. For example class A & B extends class C and another class D extends class A then this is a hybrid inheritance example because it is a combination of single and hierarchical inheritance.
   • Inheritance in Java
     • Inheritance in java is a mechanism in which one object acquires all the properties and behaviors of parent object. 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 parent class, and you can add new methods and fields also. Inheritance represents the IS-A relationship, also known as parent-child relationship.

2. García Contreras Alan Rodolfo.