Step 1: Understanding inheritance in Java.
Inheritance is an important concept in Object-Oriented Programming that allows one class to acquire the properties and behaviors of another class. This helps in code reuse and improves program structure.
Step 2: Role of the extends keyword.
In Java, inheritance is implemented using the
extends keyword. When a class extends another class, it becomes a subclass and inherits the attributes and methods of the parent class.
Example:
class Animal {
void eat() {
System.out.println("Animal eats");
}
}
class Dog extends Animal {
void bark() {
System.out.println("Dog barks");
}
}
Here, the
Dog class inherits properties from the
Animal class.
Step 3: Evaluation of options.
(A) sub: Incorrect. This keyword does not exist in Java.
(B) extends: Correct. Used to create a subclass.
(C) child: Incorrect. This term is used conceptually but not as a keyword.
(D) derived: Incorrect. This is a concept but not a Java keyword.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the keyword used to create a subclass in Java is
extends.
Final Answer: extends