What are the benefits of polymorphism in C++?

What are the benefits of polymorphism in C++?

Polymorphism allows for code reusability and flexibility. It enables methods to do different things based on the object that it is acting upon.

Can you give me an example of polymorphism in C++?

Sure! Consider a base class Shape with a method draw(). Derived classes like Circle and Square can implement draw() differently. This allows you to call draw() on a Shape pointer, and it will execute the correct method based on the actual object type.

How does polymorphism improve code maintenance?

Polymorphism improves code maintenance by allowing you to add new classes with minimal changes to existing code. You can introduce new shapes without altering the code that uses the Shape interface.

Are there any downsides to using polymorphism?

Yes, polymorphism can introduce complexity and may lead to performance overhead due to dynamic binding. It's important to use it judiciously.