Is Stack in Java a Subclass? [2024]

Video: Stack Java Tutorial #65.

Have you ever wondered if the Stack class in Java is a subclass? Well, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll dive deep into the topic and explore the ins and outs of the Stack class in Java. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of its functionality and how it fits into the Java programming language.

Quick Answer

Yes, the Stack class in Java is indeed a subclass. It is a subclass of the Vector class, which means it inherits all the methods and properties of the Vector class. However, the Stack class adds its own methods to provide stack-specific functionality.

✅ CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive deeper into the topic, here are some quick tips and facts about the Stack class in Java:

The Stack class in Java implements a standard last-in, first-out (LIFO) stack data structure.
It is a part of the Java Collections Framework and resides in the java.util package.
The Stack class extends the Vector class, which means it inherits all the methods and properties of the Vector class.
In addition to the methods inherited from Vector, the Stack class defines its own methods to provide stack-specific functionality.

Now that we have a quick overview, let’s explore the background and history of the Stack class in Java.

Background: The Stack Class in Java

brown rocky mountain during daytime

The Stack class in Java has been around since the early days of the Java programming language. It was introduced as a part of the Java Collections Framework, which provides a set of classes and interfaces for handling collections of objects.

The Stack class is designed to implement the stack data structure, which follows the last-in, first-out (LIFO) principle. In a stack, elements are added and removed from the top, similar to a stack of plates. This makes it useful for various applications, such as expression evaluation, backtracking algorithms, and undo/redo operations.

Java Stack Class: Features and Functionality

Video: Learn Stack data structures in 10 minutes .

Now that we have a basic understanding of the Stack class in Java, let’s explore its features and functionality in more detail. The Stack class inherits all the methods and properties of the Vector class, but it also adds its own methods to provide stack-specific functionality.

Here are some of the key methods provided by the Stack class:

boolean empty(): This method checks if the stack is empty. It returns true if the stack is empty, and false if it contains elements.
Object peek(): The peek() method returns the top element of the stack without removing it. It allows you to examine the element at the top of the stack without modifying the stack itself.
Object pop(): The pop() method removes and returns the top element of the stack. It effectively “pops” the element from the stack, reducing its size by one.
Object push(Object element): The push() method pushes an element onto the top of the stack. It adds the element to the stack and increases its size by one. The method also returns the element that was pushed.
int search(Object element): The search() method searches for an element in the stack and returns its offset from the top. If the element is found, the method returns the 1-based position of the element from the top of the stack. If the element is not found, it returns -1.

These methods provide the basic functionality required to work with a stack data structure in Java. You can use them to manipulate the stack, add elements, remove elements, and perform various stack operations.

Example: Using the Stack Class in Java

Video: #10 Stack Implementation using Java Part 1 | Push Pop Peek Methods.

To help you understand how to use the Stack class in Java, let’s take a look at a simple example. In this example, we’ll demonstrate the usage of the Stack methods to perform stack operations.

import java.util.Stack;

public class StackExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Stack<String> stack = new Stack<>();

        // Pushing elements onto the stack
        stack.push("Java");
        stack.push("is");
        stack.push("awesome!");

        // Popping elements from the stack
        String element = stack.pop();
        System.out.println("Popped element: " + element);

        // Peeking at the top element
        String topElement = stack.peek();
        System.out.println("Top element: " + topElement);

        // Searching for an element
        int position = stack.search("Java");
        System.out.println("Position of 'Java': " + position);
    }
}

Output:

Popped element: awesome!
Top element: is
Position of 'Java': 2

In this example, we create a new Stack object and push three elements onto the stack: “Java”, “is”, and “awesome!”. We then pop an element from the stack, peek at the top element, and search for the position of the element “Java”. Finally, we print the results to the console.

FAQ

turned on flat screen monitor

What type is stack in Java?

The Stack class in Java is a type of collection that implements the stack data structure. It is a part of the Java Collections Framework and resides in the java.util package.

Is a stack a class?

Yes, a stack is a class in Java. The Stack class in Java provides the implementation of the stack data structure and includes methods to manipulate the stack.

Is stack a class or interface in Java?

The Stack class in Java is a class, not an interface. It is a subclass of the Vector class and provides stack-specific functionality on top of the methods inherited from Vector.

Is stack FIFO in Java?

No, a stack is not FIFO (First-In-First-Out) in Java. It follows the LIFO (Last-In-First-Out) principle, where the last element added to the stack is the first one to be removed.

Conclusion

multicolored abstract painting

In conclusion, the Stack class in Java is a powerful tool for implementing a last-in, first-out (LIFO) approach in your Java programs. It is a subclass of the Vector class and provides stack-specific functionality through its methods. By understanding the features and functionality of the Stack class, you can leverage its power to solve various programming problems.

If you’re interested in learning more about Java development, game development, or programming languages in general, check out these related articles on Stack Interface™:

For further reading and to verify the information presented in this article, you can refer to the following reference links:

Java – The Stack Class – Tutorialspoint

Remember, the Stack class in Java is a valuable tool in your programming arsenal. Whether you’re building apps or games, understanding how to use the Stack class can greatly enhance your development process.

✅ Recommended Links: Java Stack on Amazon | Java Stack on Walmart | Java Stack on eBay | Java Official Website

✅ Reference Links: Java – The Stack Class – Tutorialspoint

Now that you have a solid understanding of the Stack class in Java, go ahead and explore its capabilities in your own projects. Happy coding!