How can I use inheritance effectively in programming?

What are some best practices for using inheritance in object-oriented programming?

Some best practices include using inheritance to promote code reuse, keeping class hierarchies shallow, and favoring composition over inheritance when appropriate.

Can you explain the difference between single and multiple inheritance?

Single inheritance allows a class to inherit from one superclass, while multiple inheritance allows a class to inherit from multiple superclasses. This can lead to complexity and ambiguity.

When should I prefer composition over inheritance?

Prefer composition when you want to create flexible and reusable components, as it allows for easier maintenance and avoids the pitfalls of deep inheritance hierarchies.

What are some common pitfalls of using inheritance?

Common pitfalls include creating tightly coupled classes, making code harder to understand, and encountering issues with method overriding and diamond problems in multiple inheritance.