Introduction to Class

Hierarchy and Inheritance

Class hierarchy and inheritance are fundamental concepts in ADBMS, essential for
structuring and organizing data. They form the backbone of object-oriented database
management systems, enabling efficient data modeling and management.

by Mary Sushmita
What is Class Hierarchy?
1 Definition
Class hierarchy is a way of organizing
classes in a hierarchical order, creating a
parent-child relationship among various
classes.
2 Purpose
It helps in defining a clear structure,
providing a basis for inheritance and
polymorphism.

3 Implementation
It is implemented through the process of inheritance, allowing derived classes to inherit properties
and behaviors from the base class.
Benefits of Using Class Hierarchy in ADBMS

Modularity Code Reusability

It enhances modularity, allowing the database Enables code reusability, reducing redundancy and
schema to be organized into manageable units. enhancing maintainability.

Dynamic Binding Scalability

Facilitates dynamic binding, enabling polymorphic Supports scalability, enabling easy addition of new
behavior and increased flexibility. classes without affecting the existing structure.
Understanding Inheritance in ADBMS
Concept Types

Inheritance allows a new class to inherit properties and It includes single, multiple, multilevel, hierarchical, and
behaviors from an existing class, promoting code reuse. hybrid inheritance, each serving specific purposes in
database design.
Types of Inheritance in ADBMS
1 Single Inheritance
A class inherits properties from one single
class, forming a linear parent-child
relationship.
2 Multiple Inheritance
A class inherits properties from multiple
classes, allowing for complex
relationships and combinations of
attributes.

3 Multilevel Inheritance
It involves a chain of inheritance, where a derived class serves as the base class for another class,
creating a multilayered hierarchy.
Implementing Class Hierarchy and
Inheritance in ADBMS
1 Design Phase
Define the class structure and hierarchical relationships to establish the foundation for data
organization.

2 Mapping Classes
Map the class hierarchy to database tables, ensuring seamless integration and data consistency.

3 Implementing Inheritance
Apply inheritance principles to leverage code reuse and establish parent-child relationships effectively.
Examples of Class Hierarchy and Inheritance
in ADBMS
Parent Class Derived Class

Employee Manager

Product ElectronicProduct
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Structured Data
Class hierarchy and inheritance
provide a structured approach to
data organization, enhancing
database efficiency.
Flexibility
Enable seamless modifications
and extensions to the database
schema, ensuring adaptability to
changing requirements.
Enhanced Productivity
Promote code reuse and
maintainability, contributing to
enhanced development
productivity and streamlined
database management.