Types Of Inheritance In Java – Single Vs Multiple Inheritance

 Types Of Inheritance In Java – Single Vs Multiple Inheritance

Object oriented programming is defined as a major pillar in java that leverages its power for multiple purposes. As an avid developer or a programer, java OOP fundamentals should be known to you. 

In object-oriented programming, inheritance is considered as the most powerful concept! 

As the name suggests, inheritance allows you to inherit the properties of any one class into its other class. 

From single inheritance in java to multi inheritance to hybrid inheritance, you can study several inheritance types and can fill your knowledge base. 

In this blog, we have covered the knits and grits of several types of java inheritances. 

So, without any type of ado, let’s get started!

Do you want to learn HTML to React? 🔥

If yes, then here is our Master HTML to React 📚 In this eBook, you’ll Get Complete Free Hand Written Notes on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React 💪. It includes 450 Projects with source code. and 250+ Most Asked Interview Questions

Get your eBook now! 👇

Tap Me for eBook ➡️

Inheritance – An Overview 

In the case of OOPS, the programs are basically designed in a way so that objects can easily interact with each other. Inheritance is considered as an essential part of java language as its related questions are often asked from the programmers. 

Inheritance is derived as a mechanism that drives any new class from its existing class. The old or the existing class is known as the base class. Whereas, the new class is defined as the sub class. 

The class whose properties are generally inherited is known as the parent class and the class that inherits all the properties is called the child class. Thus, this establishes a relationship between the parent class and the child class. 

Terms Used in Inheritance 

• Class: Class is considered as group of certain objects with common properties 
• Sub class or child class: Sub class is defined as a class that inherits another class. It is also known as a child class 
• Super class or parent class: Super class is a class from which a subclass inherits all the features. It is also called the parent class

Types of Inheritance in Java 

Depending mainly on the classes that are going to be inherited, we usually classify inheritance in java.

There are various types of inheritance in java that every programmer should know. These types are discussed as below:

Single Inheritance

As its name implies, a single inheritance is defined as an inheritance in which one class is taken into account. Here, the parent class will give rise to a child class. In other words, only a single class is used to create the superclass..

We can use the variables of a superclass and the subclass methods without any type of conflict. 

For example; Class A would be your parent class and class B would be the child class that will inherit the behaviour of a parent class. 

Multiple Inheritance 

When there is a required chain of multiple inheritances, it is known as multiple inheritance. This class helps in the simplification of a derived class from that of a multiple class. Though, one noteworthy thing here is that this type of inheritance is not usually permitted in the case of java. 

So here it can be defined as one class with at least one or more of the superclasses. Moreover, multiple inheritance is basically available in object-oriented programming. Though, it will not be available in java.

Multi-level Inheritance

The multilevel inheritance adds two or more classes as it extends towards another class which is already extended. Suppose, there will be a class A which can extend from the class B and then this class B will extend to class C that is known as multiple inheritance. 

Hierarchical Inheritance

In such a type of inheritance, one class will be inherited by so many sub classes. The class B, C and D will inherit from the same class A. A is defined as the parent class or the base class of B, C and D. 

Hybrid Inheritance

In simple language, you can say that the hybrid inheritance would be the combination of the single inheritance and the multiple inheritance. 

This hybrid inheritance can easily be achieved in the same way as we will achieve the multiple inheritance. Though, you can do it with the help of the interfaces. By using an interface, you can have hybrid and multiple inheritance. 

Difference Between the Single Inheritance in Java versus Multiple Inheritance in Java 

Single inheritance in Java and Multiple Inheritance in Java are considered as two essential topics. Though, there are certain points of difference between both of them. Here, we have compiled some of the basis on these differences. 

Definition 

Single inheritance in java 

Single inheritance in java is defined as one that gets inherited from a single base class. 

Multiple inheritance in java 

In this class, the derived class gets acquired from two or base classes. 

Run Time 

Single inheritance in java 

Because of the less overheads, single inheritance needs small runtime in comparison to the multiple inheritance.

Multiple inheritance in java 

This inheritance basically has more overheads so the runtime of this inheritance is more as compared to the single inheritance. 

Simplification 

Single inheritance in java 

In comparison to the multiple inheritance, the single inheritance is considered simple and easy to use. 

Multiple inheritance in java 

This inheritance is considered complex as compared to the single inheritance.

Supporting languages 

Single inheritance in java 

You can easily implement this inheritance in any programming language

Multiple inheritance in java 

This type of inheritance can be implemented with the help of C++. Though, this inheritance can’t be implemented in any other language. 

Additional learning – Striver SDE Sheet

If you are a budding developer or a programmer, you should also know about the concept of  Striver SDE Sheet. This sheet is touted to be the collection of data structure and the coding problems that usually come in the coding interviews. The sheet covers all the coding topics that are asked by an interviewer. This sheet will help you ace your interview with flying colours.

Wrapping Up 

There are several types of inheritance in java that every developer should know. In this blog, we tried to explain these inheritances in a better way. Learn them in detail and fill your knowledge gap.