What is the difference between polymorphism and inheritance in Python?

What is the difference between polymorphism and inheritance in Python?

Polymorphism allows methods to do different things based on the object it is acting upon, while inheritance is a way to form new classes using classes that have already been defined.

Can you give me an example of polymorphism in Python?

Sure! For instance, if you have a base class Animal with a method speak(), subclasses like Dog and Cat can implement speak() differently. Calling speak() on an Animal reference can invoke the appropriate method based on the actual object type.

And how does inheritance work in this context?

Inheritance allows a class to inherit attributes and methods from another class. For example, Dog can inherit from Animal, gaining its properties and methods, while also adding its own.

Are there any drawbacks to using inheritance?

Yes, excessive use of inheritance can lead to a complex hierarchy, making the code harder to maintain. It's often better to use composition over inheritance when possible.