Java instance initializer blocks

Java instance initializers are code blocks which are executed before the constructor code is executed. These initializers run everytime we create a new object.

1. Instance initializer syntax

An instance initializer block is created with curly braces. The object initialization statements are written inside the braces.

public class DemoClass {
    
    //This is initializer block 1
    {
      //statements
    }

    //This is initializer block 2
    {
      //statements
    }
}

2. Java instance initializer features

The instance initializers have following features.

• We can define multiple initializers in a class.
• All initializers execute in sequence in order they appear in class body.
• Initializers run after the parent class constructor has been invoked and before executing child class constructor. Please note that Java inserts the default constructor of parent class super(), if we do not explicitly provide the constructor as the first statement in child class’s constructor.
• After all the initializers have executed, constructor’s statements are executed.
• We can use call the constructors of this class and parent classes inside initializers.

3. Java instance initialization sequence flow

Based on above given features, let’s draw an outline how the instance initialization of an object flows.

1. Child class constructor is invoked.
2. Child class constructor has first statement as super() (or provided explicit constructor) so parent class constructor is invoked.
3. Parent class’s initializers are executed in sequence of their appearance.
4. Parent class constructor statements are executed.
5. Child class’s initializers are executed in sequence of their appearance.
6. Child class constructor statements are executed.

4. Java instance initializer example

Let’s quickly see an example to demo above theory.

public class ParentClass 
{ 
  public ParentClass() 
  {
    System.out.println("In ParentClass Constructor");
  }
  
  //Instance Initializer
  {
    System.out.println("In ParentClass Instance Initializer");
  }
}

public class ChildClass extends ParentClass 
{
  public ChildClass() 
  {
    super();  //If not provided, JVM will insert it
    System.out.println("In ChildClass Constructor");
  }
  
  //Instance Initializer 1
  { 
    System.out.println("In ChildClass Instance Initializer 1");
  }
  
  //Instance Initializer 2
  {
    System.out.println("In ChildClass Instance Initializer 2");
  }
}

public class Main 
{
  public static void main(String[] args) 
  {
    ChildClass childObj = new ChildClass();
  }
}

Program output.

In ParentClass Instance Initializer
In ParentClass Constructor
In ChildClass Instance Initializer 1
In ChildClass Instance Initializer 2
In ChildClass Constructor

Happy Learning !!