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Super Keyword in Java: An Ultimate Guide Learn from Industry
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Last updated on Jul 24, 2024 10984 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
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The 'super' keyword allows referencing the parent class or superclass
of a subclass in Java. It is often employed to access members (fields
or methods) of the superclass that have been overridden in the
subclass. You can call the superclass's method from within the
subclass using super.methodName(). Additionally, super() is used to
call the constructor of the superclass from the subclass constructor,
which is essential for initializing inherited members. In short, if any
programmers want to maintain inheritance hierarchies and enable the
reuse of code in object-oriented programming, this super keyword is
crucial.
Characteristics of Super Keywords in Java
Here are its key characteristics in simple language:
Accessing Superclass Members
One of the main uses of super is to access members (variables or
methods) of the parent class from a subclass. This is helpful when a
subclass has its version of a method or variable with the same name
as the superclass. This is also helpful if you want to use the
superclass's version specifically.
Avoiding Name Conflicts
Imagine you have a class hierarchy, and both the superclass and
subclass have a method with the same name. To avoid confusion and
specify which method to call, you can use super followed by the
method name to explicitly refer to the superclass's method.
Calling Superclass Constructors
When a user creates an object of a subclass, Java automatically calls
the constructor of the superclass before the constructor of the
subclass is called. In such cases, sometimes the superclass
constructor requires parameters, and there, we can use super to pass
those parameters and ensure proper initialization.
Maintaining Inheritance
Java s super is essential for maintaining the is a relationship
between classes in inheritance. It helps to ensure that the subclass
inherits the characteristics and behaviors of the superclass. Als helps
to promote code reuse and extend functionality.
Chaining Constructors
In more complex class hierarchies, constructors can be chained using
super(). This means that a subclass constructor can call a constructor
in its immediate superclass, which, in turn, can call the constructor of
its superclass, and so on, ensuring that all necessary initialization is
performed.
Initialization
Using super() in a constructor is the first thing that should be done. It
initializes the inherited members from the superclass before any
subclass-specific initialization.
Helps Prevent Errors
Super can help avoid errors that might arise if you inadvertently
override a superclass member without realizing it. By explicitly using
super, you clarify your intention to use the superclass's version.
Use of Super Keywords in Java
Use of Super With Variables
In Java, sometimes the subclass can have a variable with the same
name. The super keyword can be employed to access superclass
variables. For example, if both the superclass and subclass have a
variable called count, you can differentiate between them using super.
Count to refer to the superclass's count variable and. Count refers to
the subclass's count variable. This ensures you access the correct
variable in cases of naming conflicts.
Use of Super With Methods
When a subclass overrides a method from its superclass, you can use
the super keyword to call the superclass's version of the method. This
is helpful when you want to add functionality to the inherited method
rather than completely replacing it. For example, if a superclass has a
calculated method and a subclass wants to enhance it, you can use
super.calculate() within the subclass's method to ensure that the
superclass's logic is executed alongside the subclass's additions
Use of Super With Constructors
In Java, constructors in a subclass automatically call the no-argument
constructor of the superclass if not explicitly specified. However, you
can use super() in a subclass constructor to call a specific constructor
in the superclass. This allows you to pass arguments and initialize the
superclass's state. For instance, if the superclass has a parameterized
constructor, you can use super(argument) in the subclass constructor
to ensure proper initialization of the superclass before initializing the
subclass-specific attributes.
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Advantages of Using Super Keyword
1. Access to Superclass Members: It allows access to superclass
variables and methods, even when overridden in a subclass, aiding in
handling naming conflicts and ensuring the correct version is used.
2. Constructor Chaining: super() calls the superclass constructor,
enabling proper initialization of inherited members before subclass-
specific initialization, ensuring the object is in a consistent state.
3. Maintaining Inheritance: It enforces the "is-a" relationship in
inheritance, promoting code reuse and extending functionality by
inheriting and enhancing the behavior of parent classes.
4. Preventing Errors: Using superclarifies intentions, reducing the risk
of unintentional overriding or hiding of superclass members. It helps
avoid logical errors by explicitly referencing superclass members or
constructors.
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Conclusion
The "super" keyword is a very helpful tool in Java that makes it easier
to work with objects and classes. It enables activities like inheriting
from a parent class, creating objects, and ensuring everything
connects smoothly. This is important because it helps you use code
from other parts, avoids mistakes, and keeps your Java programs
organized. Using "super" is a basic skill for making strong and efficient
Java software.
If you are looking to enhance your software development skills further,
we would recommend you to check Simplilearn’s Full Stack Java
Developer Masters program. This program, in collaboration with IBM,
can help you hone the right skills and make you job-ready in no time.
If you have any questions or queries, feel free to post them in the
comments section below. Our team will get back to you at the earliest.
FAQs
1. What is super () and super keyword in Java?
Super() is a Java keyword used to call a superclass constructor. Super
accesses superclass members and maintains inheritance hierarchies.
2. What is the use of the super keyword in variables?
The super keyword in variables distinguishes superclass and subclass
variables when they share the same name.
3. Why is Super important in Java?
Super is crucial in Java for accessing, initializing, and maintaining
superclass-subclass relationships, enabling code reusability.
4. Mention any three usages of the Java super keyword.
Access superclass members: It allows a subclass to use variables
and methods from its parent class.
Call superclass constructors: It invokes constructors in the parent
class, ensuring proper initialization.
Maintain inheritance relationships: Helps build a hierarchy of
classes where subclasses inherit features from superclasses.
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