What are the best practices for inheritance in Python?

What are the best practices for inheritance in Python?

When using inheritance in Python, it's important to follow these best practices: 1. Prefer composition over inheritance. 2. Use super() to call parent class methods. 3. Keep the class hierarchy shallow. 4. Avoid using multiple inheritance unless necessary.

Can you explain why composition is preferred over inheritance?

Composition is often preferred because it promotes flexibility and reusability. It allows you to build complex types by combining simpler ones, making your code easier to maintain and understand.

What is the role of the super() function?

The super() function allows you to call methods from a parent class in a child class. This is useful for extending or modifying the behavior of inherited methods.

Are there any common pitfalls to avoid with inheritance?

Yes, common pitfalls include creating deep inheritance hierarchies, which can make code difficult to follow, and tightly coupling classes, which can reduce flexibility.

Can you give an example of using inheritance in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class Animal:
    def speak(self):
        return "Animal speaks"

class Dog(Animal):
    def speak(self):
        return "Woof!"

my_dog = Dog()
print(my_dog.speak())  # Output: Woof!