What is the purpose of the base or super keyword?
base and super Keywords
The base keyword in C# and super in Java provide controlled access from a derived class to members or constructors of its parent class. They are commonly used to invoke a parent constructor, call a parent implementation that has been overridden, or resolve member-name ambiguity. I use them when the parent behavior is intentionally part of the derived implementation, but excessive dependence on base implementation can indicate tight inheritance coupling.
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super/base can invoke the parent constructor.
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super/base can access an inherited parent implementation where the language permits it.
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It can resolve name conflicts between parent and child members.
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Syntax differs: Java uses super; C# uses base.
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Frequent dependence on parent implementation can increase inheritance coupling.
Follow-up Questions
- Can super/base access private members?
- When is a parent constructor called?
- Can you call an overridden parent method?
- What happens if a base constructor requires parameters?