Pet Management System Assignment

AP Computer Science A - Working with Inheritance

Overview

In this assignment, you’ll work with a pre-built pet management system and extend it by adding your own pet type. This will help you understand how inheritance works in Java and how to use different classes together.

Files Provided (Download each)

  • Pet.java - The abstract base class for all pets
  • Dog.java - A concrete class for dogs
  • Cat.java - A concrete class for cats
  • Bird.java - A concrete class for birds

Your Tasks

1. Create PetDemo.java

Write a main program that demonstrates all pet functionality. See the sample output below.

public class PetDemo {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Your code here
    }
}

Your program must:

  1. Create Pets
    • Create at least one instance of each pet type (Dog, Cat, Bird, and your new pet)
    • Use different names, ages, and specific attributes for each pet
  2. Display Pet Information
    • For each Pet you create:
      • Print each pet’s information using getInfo()
      • Make each pet produce their sound
      • Print each pet’s favorite activity
        • You do NOT need to use an array
  3. Demonstrate Special Actions
    • Show each pet’s unique action (fetch for Dog, scratch for Cat, etc.)
  4. (OPTIONAL)
    • You can create a Pet array to simplify your code. It will require casting based on type and understanding polymorphism.

2. Create Your Own Pet Class

Create a new file for your own type of pet (e.g., Hamster.java, Fish.java, etc.). Your pet class must:

  • Extend the Pet class
  • Include at least one unique instance variable (like breed for Dog)
  • Override all required abstract methods
  • Include one unique method specific to your pet type
  • Use appropriate access modifiers (public/private)

Example Output

=== Pet Information ===
Buddy is a Dog who is 3 years old.
Whiskers is a Cat who is 5 years old.
Tweety is a Bird who is 1 years old.
Nibbles is a Hamster who is 2 years old.

=== Pet Sounds ===
Buddy says: Woof! Woof!
Whiskers says: Meow!
Tweety says: Tweet! Tweet!
Nibbles says: Squeak! Squeak!

=== Favorite Activities ===
Buddy loves going for walks
Whiskers loves chasing laser pointers
Tweety loves singing songs
Nibbles loves running on the wheel

=== Special Actions ===
Buddy is playing fetch! Good dog!
Whiskers is scratching the furniture!
Tweety is flying around the room!
Nibbles is stuffing food in their cheeks!

Tips for Success

  1. Look at the existing pet classes as examples for creating your own
  2. Remember to test all functionality for each pet type
  3. (Only if you’re using an optional Pet array) When using special methods, you’ll need to use casting: 
    if (pet instanceof Dog) {
    ((Dog)pet).fetch();
}

Submission Requirements

Submit the following files:

  1. Create a directory called “pets” in your project folder on the server. (right click in the lower right pane of filezilla; name is case-sensitive!)
  2. In the folder put your new pet class file (e.g., Hamster.java)
  3. Add your completed PetDemo.java and all other java pet files
  4. A screenshot of your program output
  5. You must not change the class names!
  6. Folder must be named pets exactly.

Due Date

Today in class