Object-Oriented Hierarchies in Java

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/object-oriented-hierarchies-java

Introduction

### Course Review: Object-Oriented Hierarchies in Java If you're looking to deepen your understanding of Java and enhance your programming skills, **Object-Oriented Hierarchies in Java** might just be the course for you. As the third installment of the **Core Java Specialization** on Coursera, this course builds upon foundational Java knowledge and is designed to prepare learners for real-world IT developer roles in corporate environments. #### Course Overview **Object-Oriented Hierarchies in Java** offers a comprehensive exploration of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts, focusing on key areas such as inheritance, polymorphism, and interfaces. Derived from LearnQuest's private Java Bootcamps, this course is not just theoretical; it emphasizes hands-on practice, ensuring that you will have the opportunity to apply what you've learned in real coding scenarios. The course is structured in a way that is both logical and immersive, guiding you through complex programming relationships and allowing you to gradually build your skill set. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Course Overview** The introductory video gives you insight into what to expect, setting the foundation for the journey ahead. 2. **OO Programming Relationships** This initial module introduces critical OOP relationships, establishing the groundwork for topics like inheritance and polymorphism. It succinctly presents essential concepts that will be revisited in greater detail throughout the course. 3. **Inheritance** Dive deeper into class inheritance, including overriding methods and using the `super` keyword. This module is pivotal, as understanding inheritance is central to mastering Java OOP principles. 4. **Abstract Classes** Learn about abstract classes—what they are, how they differ from regular classes, and when to implement them. The discussion on type casting is particularly valuable, providing insights into how references can be manipulated in Java. 5. **Interfaces** This module is critical for grasping polymorphism. The course covers the intricacies of interfaces, including Java 8 enhancements like default methods and functional interfaces. These modern features are essential for any Java developer in today’s tech landscape. 6. **Polymorphism** The capstone module reinforces the course content, providing a conceptual discussion on polymorphism. It also shares best practices to ensure polymorphism can be leveraged in your programming tasks. #### Recommendation I highly recommend **Object-Oriented Hierarchies in Java** to anyone serious about advancing their Java programming skills. Here are a few reasons why this course stands out: - **Practical Focus**: The hands-on practice is invaluable. You'll gain practical experience, which is crucial for job readiness. - **Comprehensive Content**: The thorough exploration of OOP concepts prepares you for a variety of programming challenges you might face in a corporate environment. - **Relevant Features**: The course addresses modern Java features such as Java 8 enhancements, which are vital for any current or future Java developer. - **Structured Learning Path**: The logical progression from fundamental theories to advanced applications allows for effective knowledge retention. In conclusion, if you're eager to solidify your Java skills and become proficient in object-oriented programming, **Object-Oriented Hierarchies in Java** is a stellar choice. With its balance of theory and practice, this course equips you with the tools needed to succeed in the tech world. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your programming journey with this excellent resource!

Syllabus

Course Overview

In this video, we will introduce you to this course and explain what you will learn.

This module foreshadows the entire course, covering O-O Relationships, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Interfaces, Aggregation, and Design Guidelines. The following modules revisit selected topics in more detail.

This module goes into more detail on implementing class inheritance in Java, including overriding methods, invoking overridden parent methods using super, and more.

This module discusses Abstract classes, including what they are; where you might use them; how to implement them; and concludes with discussion of casting, which is the technique of taking a reference of a given type, and asserting a different type.

Interfaces are the key to polymorphism in Java, since Java requires inheritance in order to implement polymorphism, and classes are limited to the single inheritance graph. This module goes into more detail on interfaces and polymorphism, and includes discussion of new Java 8 features, such as default and static methods, Functional Interfaces, Java Lambdas, and Method References.

Just as the first module served to foreshadow the entire content of this course, this module serves as a brief capstone, with a conceptual discussion of polymorphism mechanisms in Java, and practices for ensuring that polymorphism is an option in your programs.