Polymorphism

Polymorphism is a core principle of object-oriented programming (OOP) that allows objects of different types to be treated as if they were of the same type. It enables flexibility and extensibility in code.

Types of Polymorphism

1. Method Overloading: This occurs when multiple methods in the same class have the same name but different parameters. The compiler determines which method to call based on the arguments passed.  

Python

class Shape:
    def area(self, length, breadth):
        return length * breadth

    def area(self, radius):
        return 3.14 * radius * radius

2. Method Overriding: This occurs when a subclass provides a specific implementation of a method that is already defined in its superclass.

Python

class Animal:
    def make_sound(self):
        print("Animal is making a sound")

class Dog(Animal):
    def make_sound(self):
        print("Woof!")

Example:

Python

class Shape:
    def area(self):
        pass  # Abstract method

class Rectangle(Shape):
    def __init__(self, length, breadth):
        self.length = length
        self.breadth = breadth

    def area(self):
        return self.length * self.breadth 

class Circle(Shape):
    def __init__(self, radius):
        self.radius = radius

    def area(self):
        return 3.14 * self.radius * self.radius

# Create objects
rect = Rectangle(5, 4)
circle = Circle(3)

# Using polymorphism
shapes = [rect, circle]
for shape in shapes:
    print(shape.area())

Key Points

• Polymorphism allows for interchangeable use of objects.
• It enhances code flexibility and maintainability.
• Method overloading and overriding are common forms of polymorphism.

By understanding polymorphism, you can write more flexible and adaptable object-oriented code.

Read More..