Java Learner logo

Module 7: Advanced Object-Oriented Concepts

Lesson focus

Designing Robust Inheritance Hierarchies

Learn to evaluate when inheritance is the right tool, organize shared behavior, and protect hierarchies from brittle coupling.

Model real-world taxonomies (Vehicle → LandVehicle → Car) and document contracts with UML or lightweight diagrams.

Favor shallow hierarchies that emphasize common abstractions at the top and specialize behavior toward the leaves.

Protect base classes with protected hooks, template methods, and clear documentation about what subclasses may override.

Lesson quiz

When should you favor composition over inheritance?

Next lesson →