What is the difference between polymorphism and inheritance in programming?

What is the difference between polymorphism and inheritance in programming?

Polymorphism allows objects to be treated as instances of their parent class, while inheritance is a mechanism to create a new class based on an existing class.

Can you give me an example of polymorphism in Python?

Sure! In Python, you can define a method in a parent class and override it in a child class. For instance, if you have a class Animal with a method speak(), you can create subclasses like Dog and Cat that implement speak() differently.

How does inheritance work in Java?

In Java, inheritance is implemented using the extends keyword. A subclass inherits fields and methods from its superclass, allowing for code reuse and the creation of hierarchical relationships.

Are there any drawbacks to using inheritance?

Yes, excessive use of inheritance can lead to tight coupling between classes, making the code harder to maintain. Composition is often preferred for flexibility.