What is advanced polymorphism in Python?

What is advanced polymorphism in Python?

Advanced polymorphism in Python refers to the ability of different classes to be treated as instances of the same class through a common interface. It allows methods to be defined in a base class and overridden in derived classes, enabling dynamic method resolution.

Can you give me an example of polymorphism in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class Animal:
    def speak(self):
        pass

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

class Cat(Animal):
    def speak(self):
        return 'Meow!'

animals = [Dog(), Cat()]
for animal in animals:
    print(animal.speak())  # Outputs: Woof! Meow!

What are the benefits of using polymorphism?

Polymorphism promotes code reusability and flexibility. It allows for easier maintenance and scalability, as new classes can be added with minimal changes to existing code. It also enhances the readability of the code by allowing the same interface to be used for different data types.

Are there any limitations to polymorphism?

Yes, some limitations include potential performance overhead due to dynamic method resolution and the risk of runtime errors if the expected method is not implemented in a subclass. Additionally, it can lead to less clear code if overused or misused.