Inheritance and Polymorphism

inheritance

relationship between objects that share characteristics

subclass

takes the superclass state and behavior (bigger than the superclass)

method overriding

same method for both the superclass and subclass but different algorithm

partial overriding

part of the original method implementation from the superclass is retained

ex. super.computeGrade();

extends

public class Subclass extends Superclass

super()

calls parent constructor with no parameters

super(parameter, parameter)

initializes the instance variables as they are in the superclass

polymorphism

mechanism of selecting the appropriate method for a particular object in a class hierarchy because the actual object (not object reference) is called

dynamic (late) binding

run-time decision about which instance method to call (when there’s same classes)

static (early) binding

compiler selects the correct overloaded method at compile time by comparing the method’s signatures