OOP in Java
OOP in Java
Advanced
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
2. Basic OOP Concepts in Java
3. Classes and Objects
4. The Four Pillars of OOP
5. Advanced OOP Concepts
6. Exception Handling
7. Generics and Collections
8. Design Patterns
9. SOLID Principles
10. Best Practices and Interview Preparation
What is OOP?
OOP is a programming methodology that organizes software design around data, or objects, rather than functions
and logic. An object can be defined as a data field that has unique attributes and behavior [2] .
Why OOP?
Modularity: Code is structured in logical units
Reusability: Write once, use many times
Maintainability: Easy to update and modify
Scalability: Easy to extend functionality
Security: Data hiding prevents unauthorized access [3]
Key Benefits of OOP in Java
Structures code into logical units (classes and objects)
Keeps related data and methods together (encapsulation)
Makes code modular, reusable and scalable
Prevents unauthorized access to data
Follows the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle [3]
3.1 Classes
A class is a user-defined blueprint or prototype from which objects are created. It represents the set of properties
or methods that are common to all objects of one type [3] .
Example:
// Constructor
public Employee(String name, float salary) {
this.name = name;
this.salary = salary;
}
// Getter methods
public String getName() { return name; }
public float getSalary() { return salary; }
// Setter methods
public void setName(String name) { this.name = name; }
public void setSalary(float salary) { this.salary = salary; }
// Instance method
public void displayDetails() {
System.out.println("Employee: " + name);
System.out.println("Salary: " + salary);
}
}
3.2 Objects
An object is a basic unit of OOP that represents real-life entities. Objects consist of:
Creating Objects:
3.3 Constructors
Constructors are special methods used to initialize objects. They have the same name as the class and no return
type [2] .
Types of Constructors:
1. Default Constructor: No parameters
2. Parameterized Constructor: Takes parameters
3. Copy Constructor: Creates object from another object
// Default constructor
public Car() {
this.model = "Unknown";
}
// Parameterized constructor
public Car(String model) {
this.model = model;
}
}
Example:
4.1 Encapsulation
Encapsulation is the binding of data and methods together in a class while restricting direct access using access
modifiers [1] [6] .
Key Benefits:
Data Hiding: Internal details are hidden
Controlled Access: Access through getter/setter methods
Validation: Input validation in setter methods
Modularity: Changes don't affect other parts [7]
Example:
4.2 Inheritance
Inheritance is a mechanism where one class acquires properties and behaviors of another class. It establishes an
IS-A relationship [8] [9] .
Example:
// Parent class
class Animal {
protected String name;
// Child class
class Dog extends Animal {
public Dog(String name) {
this.name = name;
}
interface Walkable {
void walk();
}
interface Swimmable {
void swim();
}
4.3 Polymorphism
Polymorphism means "many forms" - the ability of objects to take multiple forms [12] [13] [14] .
Types of Polymorphism:
class Calculator {
public int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
class Vehicle {
public void start() {
System.out.println("Vehicle starting");
}
}
4.4 Abstraction
Abstraction hides implementation details while showing essential features. It focuses on WHAT an object does
rather than HOW it does it [8] [15] .
1. Abstract Classes:
// Abstract method
public abstract double calculateArea();
// Concrete method
public void setColor(String color) {
this.color = color;
}
}
@Override
public double calculateArea() {
return Math.PI * radius * radius;
}
}
2. Interfaces:
interface Drawable {
void draw(); // Implicitly public and abstract
Constructor No Yes
Default Methods:
interface Vehicle {
void start();
interface MathUtils {
static int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
}
6. Exception Handling
Exception handling provides a mechanism to handle runtime errors gracefully, ensuring program continues
execution [17] [18] .
Throwable
├── Error (System-level issues)
└── Exception
├── RuntimeException (Unchecked)
└── Other Exceptions (Checked)
class BankAccount {
private double balance;
7.1 Generics
Generics provide type safety and eliminate the need for casting [19] [20] .
Generic Classes:
// Usage
Box<String> stringBox = new Box<>();
stringBox.set("Hello");
String value = stringBox.get(); // No casting needed
Generic Methods:
7.2 Wildcards
List Interface:
Map Interface:
8. Design Patterns
Design patterns are reusable solutions to commonly occurring problems in software design [21] [22] .
Thread-Safe Implementation:
private Singleton() {}
interface Animal {
void makeSound();
}
class AnimalFactory {
public static Animal createAnimal(String type) {
switch (type.toLowerCase()) {
case "dog": return new Dog();
case "cat": return new Cat();
default: throw new IllegalArgumentException("Unknown animal type");
}
}
}
interface Observer {
void update(String message);
}
class Subject {
private List<Observer> observers = new ArrayList<>();
class UserRepository {
public void save(User user) { /* ... */ }
}
class EmailService {
public void sendEmail(User user) { /* ... */ }
}
interface Shape {
double calculateArea();
}
interface Eatable {
void eat();
}
interface Sleepable {
void sleep();
}
class NotificationManager {
private EmailService emailService = new EmailService();
class NotificationManager {
private NotificationService notificationService;
Basic Level:
1. What are the four pillars of OOP?
Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Abstraction [1] [28]
2. What is the difference between overloading and overriding?
Overloading: Same method name, different parameters (compile-time)
Overriding: Child class redefines parent method (runtime) [12] [16]
3. What is encapsulation?
Binding data and methods together while restricting access [1] [7]
Intermediate Level:
4. Explain polymorphism with examples
Ability to take multiple forms through method overloading/overriding [13] [14]
Advanced Level:
7. Explain SOLID principles
Five design principles for better software design [25] [26] [27]
8. What are design patterns? Explain Singleton and Factory
Reusable solutions to common problems [21] [22] [23]
9. How does exception handling work in Java?
Try-catch-finally mechanism for error handling [17] [18]
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide covers Java OOP from fundamental concepts to advanced design principles. Master
these concepts through practice, code reviews, and real-world applications. Remember that OOP is not just about
syntax—it's about designing maintainable, scalable, and robust software systems.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understand the fundamentals: Classes, objects, and the four pillars
2. Practice inheritance and polymorphism with real examples
3. Master exception handling for robust applications
4. Learn generics and collections for type-safe code
5. Apply design patterns for reusable solutions
6. Follow SOLID principles for better design
7. Practice coding problems regularly
8. Stay updated with Java language features
Continue practicing with hands-on projects and challenges to reinforce these concepts. Good luck with your
interviews and Java development journey!
References
[1] AlmaBetter - Java OOPs Interview Questions and Answers 2025
[2] FreeCodeCamp - Object-Oriented Programming in Java – A Beginner's Guide
[8] GeeksforGeeks - Understanding Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Abstraction in OOPs
[28] GeeksforGeeks - 30 OOPs Interview Questions and Answers [2025 Updated]
[3] GeeksforGeeks - Java OOP(Object Oriented Programming) Concepts
[30] Nerd Vision - Polymorphism, Encapsulation, Data Abstraction and Inheritance
[9] Codefinity - The 80 Top Java Interview Questions and Answers
[31] W3Schools - Java OOP (Object-Oriented Programming)
[6] ScholarHat - OOPs Concepts in Java
[32] PrepInsta - Top 50+ OOPS Interview Questions and Answers(2025)
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