#50 Single and Multilevel inheritance in java | Skyhighes | Lecture 50

Here's a concise explanation of single and multilevel inheritance in Java, along with key differences and examples:

Single Inheritance:

Definition: A class inherits from only one direct superclass.
Structure: Parent Class -> Child Class
Example:
Java
class

Animal

{
public

void

eat()

{
System.out.println("Animal is eating");
}
}

class

Dog

extends

Animal

{
public

void

bark()

{
System.out.println("Woof!");
}
}
Use code with caution. Learn more
Multilevel Inheritance:

Definition: A class inherits from a class that is itself a subclass of another class, creating a chain of inheritance.
Structure: Parent Class -> Intermediate Class -> Child Class
Example:
Java
class Animal {
// ...
}

class Mammal extends Animal {
// ...
}

class Dog extends Mammal {
// ...
}
Use code with caution. Learn more
Key Differences:

Feature Single Inheritance Multilevel Inheritance
Inheritance path Direct single-level inheritance Chain of inheritance
Complexity Simpler to manage Can become more complex with deep hierarchies
Code reusability Limited to one level of hierarchy Allows reuse across multiple levels
Best Practices:

Use inheritance judiciously: Excessive inheritance can create complex and tightly coupled code.
Favor composition over inheritance when possible: Composition (using objects as members) can provide more flexible relationships.
Prefer shallow hierarchies: Avoid deep multilevel inheritance for better maintainability.
Consider interfaces for multiple inheritance-like behavior: Java supports multiple inheritance of interfaces, allowing classes to implement multiple sets of behaviors.
Remember: Choose the type of inheritance that best suits your code's structure and requirements, balancing reusability with maintainability.