Every Java class inherits from Object, so familiarity with this superclass is fundamental to understanding the Java class hierarchy. Also see my Java tip introducing composition vs. inheritance.

Both Oracle and Java support single inheritance, and the basics are similar for both. Oracle type inheritance, as in a Java class hierarchy, allows for ever-increasing specificity in subtypes.

Sealed classes in Java let developers limit the creation and use of subclasses and preserve the class hierarchy. Here is how sealed classes in Java work.

While it seems so basic that it wouldn't require a mention, there's a basic and often violated software design principle pertaining to Java method modifiers that is in need of explanation. A public ...