Inheritance

Due to the .NET Framework, the Encore RPG language supports inheritance (extensibility) , the ability to define classes that serve as the basis for derived classes. Derived classes inherit, or can extend , the properties, methods, and events of the base class. In Encore RPG, the Extends keyword in used when declaring a class (BEGCLASS) to inherit, or extend. Derived classes can also override inherited methods with new implementations. All classes created with Encore RPG are extendable by default.

Extensibility allows you to write and debug a class once, and then reuse that code over and over as the basis of new classes. Inheritance also allows you the ability to define classes that can be used interchangeably by client code at run-time, but with functionally different, yet identically named methods or properties.

In This Section

Inheritance Basics

Covers extend modifiers, overriding methods and properties.

When to Use Inheritance

Discusses when to use inheritance instead of interfaces.

Inheritance and the .NET Framework

Explains how the .NET framework supports inheritance.

Object-Oriented Programming in Encore RPG

Introduces the concepts of object-oriented programming as they are used in Encore RPG.