Constructor

[lalima]

Can somebody explain me why constructors cannot be inherited?

[Afroz Khan]

Hi !
Constructors cannot be inherited because they are different from ordinary methods, they are called when the class is instantiated. The sub-class can invoke the methods of the super class and not he contructor.
Thanx
Afroz.

[Jane Griscti]

Afroz,
A subclass can invoke the constructor of it's superclass as well as it's methods.
<pre>
class TestConstructor {
public static void main(String args[]){
new Sub();
}

}
class Super {
Super(){
System.out.println("Super Constructor");
}
}
class Sub extends Super{
Sub(){
super();
}
}
</pre>
The output is:
Super Constructor

[mehrar]

If a class can access the super class constructors and methods then why we say that this class can not inherit its super class constructors. I know you can not override a Constructor, which means you can not add a new feature to the constructor. But as long as you are able to access it can't we say we are inheriting it.
Can someone put more thoughts in it........

[Baskaran Subramani]

Hi ,
if u look into JLS, 8.8 constructor delclarations, u will get an answer for ur question. I have copied the the reqd part here..

Constructors are invoked by class instance creation expressions (�15.9), by the conversions and concatenations caused by the string concatenation operator + (�15.18.1), and by explicit constructor invocations from other constructors (�8.8.5). Constructors are never invoked by method invocation expressions (�15.12).
Access to constructors is governed by access modifiers (�6.6).
This is useful, for example, in preventing instantiation by declaring an inaccessible constructor (�8.8.8). Constructor declarations are not members. They are never inherited and therefore are not subject to hiding or overriding.

thanks,
Baskaran
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[This message has been edited by Baskaran Subramani (edited September 06, 2000).]