The `super()` function is a built-in function in both Python and Java, but it serves slightly different purposes related to inheritance and object-oriented programming. In both languages, `super()` is used to access methods and properties from a parent or superclass. However, the specific syntax and use cases vary.

Python’s `super()`

In Python, `super()` is primarily used in the context of class inheritance, especially multiple inheritance. It allows a subclass to call methods from its parent class, ensuring proper initialization and avoiding redundant code. The `super()` function returns a proxy object that delegates method calls to a parent or sibling class.

Consider a scenario with multiple inheritance. As explained on Stack Overflow, when using `super()` in Python with multiple inheritance, the method resolution order (MRO) determines the order in which parent classes are searched for the method being called [[1]]. For example, if you have classes `First` and `Second`, and a subclass inherits from both, the MRO dictates whether `First`’s or `Second`’s methods are called first when using `super()`.

“MRO=[First, Second]. Now call to super in init defined in First will continue searching MRO and find init defined in Second…” [[1]]

Java’s `super()`

In Java, `super()` is used within a subclass to call the constructor or a method of its direct superclass.When calling a superclass constructor, `super()` must be the first statement in the subclass constructor. This ensures that the superclass is properly initialized before the subclass adds its specific initialization.

The `super()` keyword is also relevant in the context of Java Generics. The `super` keyword is used with generics to specify an upper bound for the type parameter. For example, `List<T super Suit>` indicates that the list can hold objects of type `Suit` or any of its superclasses [[3]]. This is particularly useful when you need to write into the list, ensuring that the objects you add are compatible with the list’s type.