Java - (Inner|Nested) Class

Java Conceptuel Diagram

About

The Java programming language allows you to define a class within another class.

Nested or Inner ?

  • Nested classes that are declared static are called static nested classes.
  • Non-static nested classes are called inner classes and requires an instance of the outer class to be referenced.
class OuterClass {
    ...
    static class StaticNestedClass {
        ...
    }
    class InnerClass {
        ...
    }
}

When to use ?

  • If a class is useful to only one other class, then it is logical to embed it in that class and keep the two together.
  • It increases encapsulation but increase dependency
If you want to implement an hierarchy like of object see also Tree - Composite Type (Design Pattern)

Documentation / Reference





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