Designing Java Code: Inheritance vs Composition

Choosing the wrong relationship between your Java classes can lead to rigid, fragile codebases that are difficult to maintain. Understanding when to extend a class and when to reference one is the key to writing clean, professional object-oriented software. In this text-based course, you will explore the fundamental differences between inheritance and composition in Java. You will learn how to evaluate design trade-offs, avoid common architectural pitfalls, and write highly reusable, modular code. What you'll learn: 1. Understand the core definitions of inheritance and composition with clear Java examples. 2. Analyze the trade-offs of tight coupling versus loose coupling in class design. 3. Apply key object-oriented principles to favor composition over inheritance where appropriate. 4. Implement flexible designs using Java interfaces, abstract classes, and modern records. 5. Refactor fragile inheritance hierarchies into modular, composable structures. 6. Practice making architectural decisions that improve code maintainability and testability. You will start with foundational object-oriented definitions and basic class relationships before moving into real-world refactoring scenarios and design patterns. The course concludes with practical guidelines to help you confidently choose the right approach for any programming challenge. This course is designed for beginner to intermediate Java developers who want to improve their software design skills, with no advanced architectural experience required. Start reading today to elevate your Java coding practices and build more adaptable software.