AP® Computer Science A glossary
Superclass and subclass
Also called: superclass, subclass, class hierarchy
Course: AP® Computer Science A Shows up in: Unit 1: Using Objects and Methods
A superclass holds attributes and behaviors common to related classes; subclasses extend it and draw on them without rewriting.
Appears in the course and exam description (CED): 1.12.A.21.12.A.3
Example: Bus and Bicycle are subclasses of Vehicle, so both can use Vehicle’s attributes, such as speed. Designing and implementing inheritance is outside the course.