Polymorphism
TLDR: Polymorphism is a core concept in object-oriented programming that allows objects to take on multiple forms depending on their context. It enables a single interface to represent different underlying data types or classes, providing flexibility and scalability in program design. Polymorphism is commonly categorized into compile-time (e.g., method overloading) and runtime polymorphism (e.g., method overriding).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymorphism_(computer_science)
Compile-time polymorphism, also known as static binding, occurs when the method to be executed is determined at compile time. Method overloading is a prime example, where methods with the same name but different parameter lists coexist within a class. This allows developers to use intuitive method names while maintaining distinct implementations, enhancing code readability and reusability.
https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/java/javaOO/methods.html
Runtime polymorphism, or dynamic binding, occurs when the method to be executed is determined at runtime. This is achieved through method overriding, where a subclass provides a specific implementation for a method defined in its parent class. In languages like Java and CPP, runtime polymorphism leverages inheritance and interfaces to enable flexible and extensible program architectures. It is widely used in scenarios like designing abstract classes or APIs where behavior varies depending on the specific object type.
https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jls/se20/html/jls-8.html
Polymorphism is a cornerstone concept in object-oriented programming (OOP) that allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass. It is a programming feature that enables a single interface to control access to a general class of actions. There are two primary types of polymorphism: compile-time (or static), achieved through method overloading and operator overloading, and runtime (or dynamic), realized through method overriding where the method call to an overridden method is resolved at runtime. Polymorphism enhances code flexibility and code reusability by allowing developers to write generic code and more abstract code that can work with various data types and objects, making it easier to extend software and maintain software. It encapsulates the idea of “one interface, many implementations,” enabling objects to behave differently under different contexts while sharing a common interface.