How does Java achieve a limited form of multiple inheritance?

Java achieves a limited form of multiple inheritance through the use of interfaces. Here's how it works:

1. Define an Interface: In Java, an interface is a reference type, similar to a class, that can contain only constants, method signatures, default methods, static methods, and nested types. You define an interface using the interface keyword.

2. Implement the Interface: A class implements an interface by using the implements keyword followed by the interface name. A class can implement multiple interfaces, which is where the concept of multiple inheritance comes in. When a class implements an interface, it inherits the abstract methods of the interface.

3. Override Methods: The class that implements the interface must provide implementations for the inherited abstract methods.

4. Use the Interface: Once a class implements an interface, objects of that class can be used wherever the interface is accepted.

This way, Java allows a class to be a part of multiple hierarchies, which is essentially a limited form of multiple inheritance. However, it's important to note that this is not true multiple inheritance like in C++, because a class can only extend from one superclass in Java.