What are the best practices for using inheritance in Java?

What are the best practices for using inheritance in Java?

Some best practices include favoring composition over inheritance, using abstract classes wisely, and avoiding deep inheritance hierarchies.

Can you explain why composition is preferred over inheritance?

Composition allows for more flexible code reuse and reduces the risk of tightly coupled classes, making maintenance easier.

What are abstract classes and how should I use them?

Abstract classes are classes that cannot be instantiated and can contain abstract methods. Use them to define a base class with shared behavior.

How deep should my inheritance hierarchy be?

Keep your inheritance hierarchy shallow to avoid complexity. Ideally, limit it to 2-3 levels to maintain clarity and manageability.

Are there any common pitfalls to avoid with inheritance?

Yes, avoid using inheritance for code reuse when composition would be more appropriate, and be cautious of the fragile base class problem.