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Sharath Kumar
Sharath Kumar

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Can a Class Implement Multiple Interfaces in Java?

Yes, a class can implement multiple interfaces in Java.
This is one of the powerful features of Java that allows developers to achieve multiple inheritance using interfaces.

Java does not support multiple inheritance with classes to avoid ambiguity problems, but it allows multiple inheritance through interfaces.


Why Multiple Interfaces are Allowed?

Interfaces define only behavior (method declarations), not complete implementation.
Since there is no method body conflict in traditional interfaces, Java safely allows a class to implement multiple interfaces.

👉 This helps combine multiple capabilities into a single class.


Syntax

class ClassName implements Interface1, Interface2 {
    // implementation of methods
}
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Example Program

interface Printable {
    void print();
}

interface Scannable {
    void scan();
}

class PrinterMachine implements Printable, Scannable {

    public void print() {
        System.out.println("Printing document...");
    }

    public void scan() {
        System.out.println("Scanning document...");
    }
}

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        PrinterMachine p = new PrinterMachine();
        p.print();
        p.scan();
    }
}
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Output

Printing document...
Scanning document...
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Explanation

  • Printable and Scannable are interfaces.
  • PrinterMachine implements both interfaces.
  • The class provides implementations for all interface methods.
  • This allows one class to perform multiple roles.

Real-World Example

Think of a Smart Device:

  • It can connect to WiFi.
  • It can play music.

Instead of creating complex class inheritance, we define multiple interfaces like:

  • WiFiEnabled
  • MusicPlayer

A single device class implements both.


Advantages

✔ Supports multiple inheritance
✔ Promotes loose coupling
✔ Improves flexibility
✔ Encourages reusable design
✔ Helps build scalable applications


Important Interview Point

If two interfaces contain methods with the same name, the implementing class must provide its own implementation to avoid confusion.


Interview Tip

A simple answer:

Yes, a class can implement multiple interfaces in Java using the implements keyword, allowing multiple inheritance of behavior.


Conclusion

Implementing multiple interfaces helps Java developers design flexible and modular applications. It is widely used in enterprise applications and modern frameworks.


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