Association

A general relationship in which objects know about or work with one another.

What is Association in Java?

Association — A general relationship in which objects know about or work with one another.

class Engine {
    String start() {
        return "Started";
    }
}

class Car {
    private final Engine engine = new Engine();

    String drive() {
        return engine.start();
    }
}

Level: Journeyman · More Java terms at this level

Updated September 27, 2026