Introduction:
If you’re embarking on your journey to becoming a Java programmer, you may find the extensive terminology a little overwhelming. Terms like class, method, constructor, and “super keywords” might seem perplexing initially. However, worry not! With some practice, these jargons will soon become second nature to you. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of super keywords in Java, unraveling their significance and providing you with a solid understanding. So, let’s dive right in!
Understanding the Basics:
Before delving into super keywords, let’s quickly recap some fundamental concepts in Java. In object-oriented programming, we create classes that serve as blueprints for objects. These classes can have features that define their behavior, such as variables and methods. A superclass and a subclass, also known as a parent class and a child class, are interconnected through inheritance. The subclass inherits properties and behaviors from its superclass.
Introducing the Super Keyword:
Here comes the hero of this blog post – the super keyword! The super keyword in Java is used to refer to the superclass or parent class. It acts as a reference to access member variables and methods of the superclass within the child class. By utilizing the super keyword, we can differentiate between variables or methods with the same name in the parent and child classes.
Utilizing the Super Keyword in Constructor:
One of the primary uses of the super keyword is in constructors. When a class extends another class, the child class automatically inherits the constructor of the parent class. By using the super keyword, we can call the constructor of the parent class from within the child class. This enables us to initialize the inherited variables or perform necessary tasks defined in the parent class constructor.
Overriding Methods and Super Keyword:
In Java, subclasses have the capability to override methods inherited from their superclass. However, there may be situations where we want to utilize the superclass’s method within the overridden method. This is where the super keyword comes to the rescue! By using the super keyword, we can invoke the superclass’s version of the method, ensuring that both the parent and child class functionalities are utilized.
Super Keyword for Variable Hiding:
Variable hiding occurs when a variable in a subclass has the same name as a variable in its superclass. In such cases, the subclass variable takes precedence over the superclass variable. However, there may be scenarios where we still want to access the superclass variable. Using the super keyword allows us to access the overridden variable by explicitly referencing it.
Conclusion:
Congratulations on making it through this comprehensive guide to super keywords in Java! The super keyword serves as a pivotal tool that enables seamless communication between parent and child classes. By using the super keyword effectively in constructors, method overriding, and variable hiding scenarios, you can enhance the functionality and flexibility of your Java programs.
Remember, practice makes perfect! As you continue your journey in Java programming, embrace the power of the super keyword and explore its versatile applications. Should you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed by Java jargon, take a step back, practice, and soon these concepts will become second nature.
We want to thank the thought leader as the source for this content and such awesome teachings on the subject, and we hope that this article can help you and your business! Here’s the link to his post: [HubSpot Article on Super Keywords in Java](https://blog.hubspot.com/website/super-keyword-java)
