Java Inheritance, Composition and Aggregation from Coursera

In this project you will create a Java application that inherits from a Car class in Java and use aggregation and composition in a class that uses one to many Car objects.

Code re-use allows the developer to use tried and tested code, which results in more reliable code and saves in development time as well. In Object-Oriented Programming in a language such as Java, code re-use can be accomplished in two distinctive ways. One way is to inherit from an existing class by extending its existing functionality. A Car class for example can be extended by a Used Car class by adding a parameter to indicate the number of miles on it. Another common way to re-use code is through aggregation and composition. In aggregation, the class is made up of other existing classes that may exist independent of the parent class.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Java Inheritance, Composition and Aggregation

A hallmark of Object-Oriented programming is code-reuse. Code re-use allows the developer to use tried and tested code, which results in more reliable code and saves in development time as well. In Object-Oriented Programming in a language such as Java, code re-use can be accomplished in two distinctive ways. One way is to inherit from an existing class by extending its existing functionality. A Car class for example can be extended by a Used Car class by adding a parameter to indicate the number of miles on it. This is known as an is-a relationship; a Used Car is-a Car. Another common way to re-use code is through aggregation and composition. In aggregation, the class is made up of other existing classes that may exist independent of the parent class. For example, A Car Dealership may contain many Cars in its inventory. If the Dealership goes under, the Car still exists. There is another relationship related to Aggregation called Composition. In composition, the child class depends on its parent for existence. A Car dealership may have several accounts with companies who operate fleets of cars. The accounts are dependent on the existence of the Dealership. When the Dealership disappears, so do its accounts. In this project you will create a Java application that inherits from a Car class in Java and use aggregation and composition in a class that uses one to many Car objects.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in aggregation and inheritance in Java, which are core to object-oriented programming

Teaches code re-use through aggregation and composition, which improves code reliability and efficiency

Suitable for learners who are interested in learning Java programming techniques

Requires learners to have a basic understanding of Java programming

Reviews summary

Some good, some bad

Learners are somewhat divided on the quality of this course, with some enjoying the content while others criticizing the instructor. The single positive review calls the course an "awesome" refreasher course, while the single negative review complains of poor instruction and course navigation.

The course content is well received.

"Awesome. Java has a similar feel to C++ and this was a nice refresh from a Java perspective."

Coding while the instructor explains is a struggle.

"Also keeps on expanding his view, so coding while he's going is a pain."

Instruction style is unclear or non-existant.

"Instructor does little to no explaining of the code, just do this and do that."

Opinions are split on this course.

"Awesome. Java has a similar feel to C++ and this was a nice refresh from a Java perspective."

"Instructor does little to no explaining of the code, just do this and do that."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Java Inheritance, Composition and Aggregation with these activities:

Review Core Java Concepts

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Helps refresh foundational knowledge in Java, ensuring a solid understanding for the course.

Browse courses on Java

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Review lecture notes or textbooks on Java fundamentals.
Work through online tutorials or exercises on basic Java syntax and concepts.

Study Java Syntax Tutorial

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Reinforces lessons on the syntax of the Java language.

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Visit the official Oracle Java Tutorials website.
Read and work through the Java Syntax tutorial.
Implement the examples provided in the tutorial in your Java development environment.

Solve Java Coding Challenges

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Provides practice in applying Java concepts to solve problems.

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Find a website or platform that offers Java coding challenges.
Select a challenge that aligns with the concepts covered in the course.
Write and test Java code to solve the challenge.
Review your solution and identify areas for improvement.

Five other activities

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Join a Java Study Group

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Provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer support.

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Find a study group or forum dedicated to Java programming.
Introduce yourself and share your interests.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge.
Collaborate on projects or challenges with other members.

Create a Java Documentation Tutorial

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Allows students to reinforce their understanding of Java concepts by explaining them to others.

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Select a specific Java concept or feature to focus on.
Research and gather information from reliable sources.
Write a clear and concise tutorial that explains the concept in detail.
Include code examples, diagrams, and other visual aids to enhance understanding.

Build a Simple Java Application

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Allows students to apply their knowledge by creating a practical Java application.

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Identify a simple problem or task that can be solved with a Java application.
Design and implement a Java solution using the concepts covered in the course.
Test and debug the application to ensure it functions correctly.
Document the application with comments and a README file.

Contribute to an Open-Source Java Project

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Provides real-world experience and exposure to practical Java development.

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Find an open-source Java project that aligns with your interests.
Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and contribute guidelines.
Identify a bug or feature you can contribute to.
Write and test Java code to implement your contribution.
Submit a pull request and participate in the code review process.

Volunteer as a Java Mentor

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Provides an opportunity to apply Java skills and support others in their learning journey.

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Join a platform or organization that connects mentors with learners.
Create a profile and indicate your expertise in Java.
Respond to requests for assistance from learners.
Provide guidance, support, and encouragement to mentees.

Career center

Learners who complete Java Inheritance, Composition and Aggregation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers use computer science principles to design, develop, deploy, and maintain software applications. They use their knowledge of programming languages and software engineering principles to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can help Software Engineers build a foundation in Java programming, which is one of the most popular programming languages used in the software industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Java Developer

Java Developers use the Java programming language to develop software applications. They use their knowledge of Java programming syntax and libraries to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can help Java Developers build a foundation in Java programming, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Java Developer

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers use programming languages such as Java, Kotlin, and Swift to develop mobile applications for smartphones and tablets. They use their knowledge of mobile development principles and technologies to create mobile applications that are user-friendly and meet the needs of users. This course can help Mobile Developers build a foundation in Java programming, which can be used to develop mobile applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages to create websites and web applications. They use their knowledge of web development principles and technologies to create websites that are user-friendly and meet the needs of users. This course can help Web Developers build a foundation in Java programming, which can be used to develop web applications.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data analysis techniques to extract insights from data. They use their knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques to identify trends and patterns in data. This course can help Data Analysts build a foundation in Java programming, which can be used to develop data analysis tools and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data science techniques to solve business problems. They use their knowledge of data science tools and techniques to build predictive models and develop data-driven solutions. This course can help Data Scientists build a foundation in Java programming, which can be used to develop data science tools and applications.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers use machine learning techniques to develop machine learning models. They use their knowledge of machine learning tools and techniques to build and deploy machine learning models. This course can help Machine Learning Engineers build a foundation in Java programming, which can be used to develop machine learning tools and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers use programming languages to develop software applications. They use their knowledge of programming languages and software development principles to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can help Computer Programmers build a foundation in Java programming, which is one of the most popular programming languages used in the software industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop software architectures for software applications. They use their knowledge of software architecture principles and technologies to create software architectures that meet the needs of users. This course can help Software Architects build a foundation in Java programming, which is one of the most popular programming languages used in the software industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design and maintain databases. They use their knowledge of database management systems and technologies to create and maintain databases that meet the needs of users. This course can help Database Administrators build a foundation in Java programming, which can be used to develop database management tools and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

System Analyst

System Analysts analyze and design computer systems. They use their knowledge of systems analysis and design techniques to create and maintain computer systems. This course may be useful for System Analysts who want to learn Java programming, which can be used to develop systems analysis and design tools and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use business analysis techniques to identify and solve business problems. They use their knowledge of business analysis tools and techniques to develop business solutions. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn Java programming, which can be used to develop business analysis tools and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design and maintain computer networks. They use their knowledge of networking technologies to create and maintain computer networks that meet the needs of users. This course may be useful for Network Administrators who want to learn Java programming, which can be used to develop network management tools and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software applications to ensure they meet quality standards. They use their knowledge of software testing tools and techniques to test software applications. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts who want to learn Java programming, which can be used to develop software testing tools and applications.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. They use their knowledge of project management principles and tools to manage projects effectively. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn Java programming, which can be used to develop project management tools and applications.

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