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Understanding the 'super' Keyword in Java

The 'super' keyword in Java is used to refer to the immediate parent class of a subclass. It is used to access the members (methods and fields) of the parent class. The 'super' keyword is particularly useful when we want to override a method of the parent class in the subclass, but still want to call the parent class's method from the subclass.

Why Use 'super'?

There are several reasons why we might want to use the 'super' keyword in Java:

  • To access the members of the parent class that are not accessible directly in the subclass.

  • To override a method of the parent class in the subclass, but still want to call the parent class's method from the subclass.

  • To call the constructor of the parent class from the subclass.

How to Use 'super'?

The 'super' keyword can be used in the following ways:

1. To Access Members of the Parent Class


public class Animal {
  public void sound() {
    System.out.println("The animal makes a sound.");
  }
}

public class Dog extends Animal {
  public void sound() {
    super.sound(); // Calls the sound() method of the Animal class
    System.out.println("The dog barks.");
  }
}

2. To Override a Method of the Parent Class


public class Animal {
  public void eat() {
    System.out.println("The animal eats.");
  }
}

public class Dog extends Animal {
  @Override
  public void eat() {
    super.eat(); // Calls the eat() method of the Animal class
    System.out.println("The dog eats dog food.");
  }
}

3. To Call the Constructor of the Parent Class


public class Animal {
  public Animal() {
    System.out.println("Animal constructor called.");
  }
}

public class Dog extends Animal {
  public Dog() {
    super(); // Calls the constructor of the Animal class
    System.out.println("Dog constructor called.");
  }
}

Best Practices for Using 'super'

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using the 'super' keyword:

  • Use 'super' only when necessary. If you can access the members of the parent class directly, there is no need to use 'super'.

  • Use 'super' to call the constructor of the parent class only if you need to perform some initialization in the parent class.

  • Use 'super' to override a method of the parent class only if you need to add some additional functionality to the method.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 'super' keyword is a powerful tool in Java that allows us to access the members of the parent class and override methods of the parent class. By following the best practices outlined above, we can use 'super' effectively to write more efficient and effective code.

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