Avoid casting in inherited java-classes

Question

I have a class:

class MyClass {

  public MyClass getParent() { ... }

  public MyClass[] getChildren() { ... }

  ....

}

and a subclass

Answer 1

Depending on what you are actually trying to do, either make your base class abstract and add getId():

abstract class MyClass() {
    public MyClass getParent() { ... }
    public MyClass[] getChildren() { ... }
    public String getId();
    ....
}

MySubClass extends MyClass() {
    @Overrides
    public String getId() { }
    ...
}

Alternatively, depending on your requirements, implement getId() in your base class:

class MyClass() {
    public MyClass getParent() { ... }
    public MyClass[] getChildren() { ... }
    public String getId() { }
    ....
}

MySubClass extends MyClass() {
    ...
}