How Does the `super()` Keyword Function in Java Inheritance?

Understanding super() in Java: A Comprehensive Explanation

In Java, the super() keyword plays a crucial role in object-oriented programming. It allows a child class to access the methods and fields of its parent class.

What is super() Used for?

Primarily, super() is utilized for the following purposes:

1. Calling the Parent Constructor:

Yes, super() can be used to invoke the constructor of the parent class. This is an essential step in initializing an instance of a child class. It ensures that the parent class's constructor is called first, which is necessary for proper initialization and object setup.

2. Accessing Parent Methods:

Beyond constructor invocation, super() can also be employed to call methods from the parent class. This is useful when the child class overrides a method in the parent class but still requires access to the original implementation. Simply invoking super.methodName() allows the child class to access the parent's method.

3. Passing Arguments to the Parent Constructor:

When initializing a child class, it is possible to pass arguments to the parent constructor using super(). This provides the flexibility to customize the parent object's initialization based on the specific requirements of the child class.

For example:

class Parent {
    int field1;

    Parent(int field1) {
        this.field1 = field1;
    }
}

class Child extends Parent {
    int field2;

    Child(int field1, int field2) {
        super(field1);
        this.field2 = field2;
    }
}

Additional Resources:

For further exploration, you can refer to the following resources:

• [Java Tutorial on super()](https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/java/javaOO/objectcreation.html)

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