Polymorphism in Python: A Beginner’s Guide to Flexible Code

Unlock the Power of Polymorphism for Efficient and Reusable Python Programs

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Polymorphism is a core concept in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) that allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass. In simpler terms, polymorphism enables you to write code that can work with objects of different types without needing to know the specific type of the object at runtime. This powerful feature promotes code reusability, flexibility, and maintainability, making it an essential tool in any Python developer’s toolkit.

In Python, polymorphism can be achieved through method overriding and operator overloading. Let’s explore these concepts with practical examples.

Method Overriding

Method overriding occurs when a subclass provides its own implementation of a method that is already defined in its superclass. The subclass’s implementation overrides the superclass’s implementation for instances of the subclass.

class Animal:
    def make_sound(self):
        print("The animal makes a sound.")

class Dog(Animal):
    def make_sound(self):
        print("The dog barks.")

class Cat(Animal):
    def make_sound(self):
        print("The cat meows.")

# Create…