What are some real-world examples of polymorphism?

What are some real-world examples of polymorphism?

Polymorphism allows objects to be treated as instances of their parent class. For example, in a graphics program, both circles and squares can be drawn using a single method called 'draw', even though they are different shapes.

Can you give me another example?

Sure! In a payment processing system, different payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers can all be processed through a common interface called 'processPayment', demonstrating polymorphism.

How does polymorphism benefit software development?

Polymorphism enhances code reusability and flexibility, allowing developers to write more generic and maintainable code. It simplifies the codebase by enabling the same interface to be used for different data types.

Are there any drawbacks to using polymorphism?

Yes, while polymorphism offers many benefits, it can also lead to complexity in understanding the code, especially for new developers. Additionally, it may introduce performance overhead due to dynamic method resolution.