What is composition in programming and why is it important?

What is composition in programming and why is it important?

Composition in programming is a design principle where objects are composed of other objects, allowing for code reuse and flexibility. It's important because it promotes modularity and helps manage complexity.

Can you give me an example of composition in a programming language?

Sure! In JavaScript, you can create a 'Car' object that is composed of 'Engine' and 'Wheels' objects. This way, you can easily change the engine or wheels without altering the entire car structure.

How does composition differ from inheritance?

Composition involves building complex types by combining simpler ones, while inheritance is about creating a new class based on an existing class. Composition is often preferred for its flexibility.

When should I use composition over inheritance?

Use composition when you want to create reusable components and avoid the tight coupling that can come with inheritance. It's especially useful in scenarios where behavior can change at runtime.