Java Inheritance — Understanding 'class Manager extends Employee' In object-oriented programming with Java syntax, what is the correct interpretation of the declaration: class Manager extends Employee?

Introduction:
Understanding the Java keyword extends is fundamental to object-oriented design. The declaration class Manager extends Employee expresses single inheritance, where one class derives behavior and state from another. This question tests whether you can correctly identify the role of Manager (child) relative to Employee (parent) and whether the code shown implies that Manager is abstract or concrete.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The declaration provided is exactly: class Manager extends Employee
• No abstract keyword is shown before class.
• In Java, extends denotes that the left-hand class inherits from the right-hand class.
• Abstract classes in Java must be declared with the abstract keyword.

Concept / Approach:
In Java, when class B extends A, B is the subclass (child, derived class) and A is the superclass (parent, base class). The absence of the abstract keyword means the class is concrete by default, capable of being instantiated (assuming it has an accessible constructor and no abstract methods inherited without implementation). Therefore, Manager is the subclass and Employee is the superclass. Nothing in the snippet implies that Manager is abstract.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Read the syntax: class Manager extends Employee.2) Recognize extends indicates inheritance with Manager as the child and Employee as the parent.3) Check for abstract: not present, so Manager is concrete by default.4) Conclude: Manager is a concrete subclass of Employee.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can compile a minimal example where Employee is a simple class and Manager extends Employee; instantiating new Manager() works unless abstract constraints are introduced. If abstract methods exist in Employee and are not implemented in Manager, then Manager must itself be declared abstract. That is not indicated here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Superclass options (a, c): Manager is not the superclass; Employee is.
• Abstract options (c, d): The snippet does not declare abstract; default is concrete.
• Interface option (e): Implements relates to interfaces; extends here denotes class inheritance.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming that any class that extends another must be abstract, or confusing extends (classes) with implements (interfaces). Also, forgetting that Java supports single inheritance for classes and multiple inheritance via interfaces.

Final Answer:
Manager is a concrete class and a subclass.