Java - instanceof Keyword

Java instanceof keyword is an operator which is used only for object reference variables. This operator checks whether a Java object is of a particular type (class type or interface type).

Syntax

Following is the syntax of instanceof operator in Java programming.

( Object reference variable ) instanceof (class/interface type)

If the object referred by the variable on the left side of the operator passes the IS-A check for the class/interface type on the right side, then the result will be true.

IS-A Relationship

IS-A is a way of saying: This object is a type of that object. Let us see how the extends keyword is used to achieve inheritance.

public class Animal {
}

public class Mammal extends Animal {
}

public class Reptile extends Animal {
}

public class Dog extends Mammal {
}

Now, based on the above example, in Object-Oriented terms, the following are true −

• Animal is the superclass of Mammal class.
• Animal is the superclass of Reptile class.
• Mammal and Reptile are subclasses of Animal class.
• Dog is the subclass of both Mammal and Animal classes.

Now, if we consider the IS-A relationship, we can say −

• Mammal IS-A Animal
• Reptile IS-A Animal
• Dog IS-A Mammal
• Hence: Dog IS-A Animal as well

With the use of the extends keyword, the subclasses will be able to inherit all the properties of the superclass except for the private properties of the superclass.

We can assure that Mammal is actually an Animal with the use of the instance operator.

Example

class Animal {
}

class Mammal extends Animal {
}

class Reptile extends Animal {
}

public class Dog extends Mammal {

   public static void main(String args[]) {
      Animal a = new Animal();
      Mammal m = new Mammal();
      Dog d = new Dog();

      System.out.println(m instanceof Animal);
      System.out.println(d instanceof Mammal);
      System.out.println(d instanceof Animal);
   }
}

Output

true
true
true

Since we have a good understanding of the extends keyword, let us look into how the implements keyword is used to get the IS-A relationship.

Generally, the implements keyword is used with classes to inherit the properties of an interface. Interfaces can never be extended by a class.

Example

public interface Animal {
}

public class Mammal implements Animal {
}

public class Dog extends Mammal {
}

The instanceof Keyword

Let us use the instanceof operator to check whether Mammal is actually an Animal, and dog is actually an Animal.

Example

interface Animal{}
class Mammal implements Animal{}

public class Dog extends Mammal {

   public static void main(String args[]) {
      Mammal m = new Mammal();
      Dog d = new Dog();

      System.out.println(m instanceof Animal);
      System.out.println(d instanceof Mammal);
      System.out.println(d instanceof Animal);
   }
}

Output

true
true
true