Defining class hierarchies using the 'extends' keyword in Java allows a class to inherit the properties and behaviors from another class, forming a parent-child relationship. This enables code reusability and the implementation of polymorphism, where a child class can override parent class methods to provide specific implementations, yet still be treated as an instance of the parent class. Using 'extends' supports the DRY principle by reducing code duplication and enhancing maintainability by allowing changes in the parent class to cascade automatically to child classes .

Polymorphism in Java enhances code flexibility and maintenance by allowing the same interface to be used for different underlying data types. Through method overloading and overriding, polymorphism enables a single function or method to work in different ways based on the object it is acting upon, thus enabling objects to interact and integrate more smoothly. This reduces coupling and increases the ease with which code can be updated or extended with new functionalities, as developers can introduce new types and behaviors without disturbing existing module interfaces and contracts .

Interfaces in Java achieve 100% data abstraction by allowing only the declaration of methods (abstract methods) without any implementation. A class implementing an interface must provide concrete implementations for all of its methods, ensuring that no details about how the methods are implemented are exposed in the interface itself. In contrast, abstract classes can contain both abstract methods (without implementation) and concrete methods (with implementation), thus not achieving 100% abstraction since some method implementations are already provided in the class itself .

Encapsulation is primarily about hiding the internal state of an object and requiring all interaction to be performed through an object's methods. This is achieved by bundling the data (attributes) and methods (functions) that operate on the data into a single unit, or class, and restricting the visibility of some of this data through access modifiers. Unlike inheritance, which involves a class hierarchy and reusing code by extending base class functionalities, or polymorphism, which allows for methods to do different things based on the object type or parameters, encapsulation focuses on protecting an object's integrity by preventing external interference and misuse of its data .

Inheritance provides several advantages in object-oriented programming, including code reusability, where the fields and methods of an existing class (superclass) can be reused in a new class (subclass). This allows for the extension and modification of program functionality without altering the original code, promoting scalability. Inheritance also facilitates polymorphism, where subclass objects can be treated as objects of the superclass, enhancing flexibility in code .

The abstraction pillar in OOP supports the principle of 'separation of concerns' by enabling the separation of the definition and implementation of object behaviors. Abstraction allows the user to interact with objects through a defined interface without understanding the object's underlying complexity or mechanics. This separation of interface and implementation reduces intricacy and dependencies, allowing developers to alter an object's internal workings without affecting how it is used externally, thereby promoting modular and clean software design .

Message passing is the process by which objects in object-oriented programming communicate with each other. When an object invokes a method of another object, it sends a message that typically consists of the method name and any necessary parameters. This concept is fundamental to OOP as it enables the encapsulation and discrete function execution within objects, allowing them to operate independently and cohesively without requiring detailed knowledge of each other's internals .

Method passing, or method calling, in OOP, directly relates to encapsulation by facilitating controlled interaction with an object's state and behavior. Encapsulation involves hiding the internal state of an object and requiring all mutations to this state occur through well-defined methods. By utilizing method calls, external interaction with private data is restricted, thus ensuring data integrity while allowing object behavior to remain consistent and predictable, adhering to the principles of encapsulation .

In Java, access modifiers control the visibility and accessibility of classes, methods, and other members. Four main types of access modifiers dictate this control: public, protected, private, and default (package-private). Public members are accessible from any other class in any package. Protected members can be accessed by classes in the same package and by subclasses in different packages. Private members are accessible only within the defining class itself. Default access (no modifier) allows access among classes within the same package only. These modifiers help encapsulate data, protecting it from unauthorized access and misuse .

Method declaration in Java defines a blueprint for a set of operations or behaviors that a class object can perform, which includes specifying the access level, the return type, the method name, parameters, exceptions it might throw, and the method body. By clearly defining these components, method declaration helps encapsulate functionality within methods, promoting reusable and modular code. This allows developers to invoke the same method wherever needed without duplicating the code, thus adhering to the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle, resulting in cleaner and more maintainable code .