In Java, does the language support multiple inheritance of classes, and how is similar behavior achieved?

Introduction / Context:
Multiple inheritance is a feature in some object-oriented languages where a class can inherit from more than one parent class. Java takes a deliberate design decision regarding this feature to avoid complexity such as the diamond problem. Interviewers often ask whether Java supports multiple inheritance and how Java developers achieve similar flexibility, to check your understanding of interfaces and the language design philosophy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are working with standard Java class and interface definitions.
• Java allows a class to extend another class using the extends keyword.
• Java allows a class to implement one or more interfaces using the implements keyword.
• Java 8 and later support default methods in interfaces.

Concept / Approach:
Java does not allow a class to extend more than one direct superclass. In other words, you cannot write class C extends A, B. This restriction avoids ambiguity in method resolution and simplifies the inheritance hierarchy. However, Java supports multiple inheritance of type through interfaces. A class can implement many interfaces and thus promise to provide the behaviors described by those interfaces. With the introduction of default methods in interfaces, some reusable implementation can also be shared. This combination provides much of the power of multiple inheritance without the full complexity of multiple superclass hierarchies.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognize that Java syntax allows only one class to appear after the extends keyword in a class declaration. Step 2: Verify that writing class Child extends Parent1, Parent2 causes a compile time error, confirming that multiple class inheritance is not supported. Step 3: Note that a class can implement multiple interfaces, for example class MyClass implements InterfaceA, InterfaceB, InterfaceC. Step 4: Understand that interfaces define method signatures and, since Java 8, may include default method implementations. Step 5: Conclude that Java achieves flexible code reuse and polymorphism using single class inheritance plus multiple interfaces, instead of multiple inheritance of classes.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this behavior by writing small code samples in any Java IDE. A class declaration with multiple parents after extends will fail to compile, while one with a single parent class and several interfaces after implements will compile successfully. The Java Language Specification also explicitly states that classes support single inheritance only, but interfaces support multiple inheritance of type, confirming the conceptual explanation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is incorrect because Java does not have a multi-extends keyword and does not permit multiple inheritance of concrete classes. Option C is irrelevant; primitive types and arrays do not participate in inheritance in the same way as classes, and there is no special rule for them here. Option D is wrong because Java clearly supports inheritance; classes can extend other classes in a single inheritance chain.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is trying to simulate multiple inheritance by creating overly deep or complex class hierarchies, which can harm maintainability. Another mistake is forgetting that default methods in interfaces may conflict when two interfaces define the same default method name, requiring explicit resolution in the implementing class. Good design uses composition, interfaces, and single inheritance in a clear and controlled way rather than trying to force multiple inheritance patterns into Java.

Final Answer:
Java does not support multiple inheritance of classes, but it lets a class implement multiple interfaces and use their default methods to achieve similar behavior in a safer way.