What are some examples of polymorphism in code?

What are some examples of polymorphism in code?

Polymorphism allows methods to do different things based on the object it is acting upon. For example, in object-oriented programming, a function can take objects of different classes as input.

Can you give me a specific example in Python?

Sure! In Python, you can have a base class called Animal with a method speak(). Then, subclasses like Dog and Cat can implement speak() differently. When you call speak() on an Animal reference, it will execute the method of the actual object type.

What about in Java?

In Java, you can use interfaces to achieve polymorphism. For instance, if you have an interface Shape with a method draw(), classes like Circle and Square can implement draw() in their own way. You can then call draw() on a Shape reference, and it will invoke the appropriate method.

Are there any advantages to using polymorphism?

Yes, polymorphism enhances code flexibility and reusability. It allows for easier maintenance and the ability to introduce new classes without altering existing code.