Member-only story
Imagine training a pet dog to fetch newspapers daily. Later, you adopt a cat and teach it identical tricks. Despite differences in species, both animals carry out the task similarly. Such phenomena mirror polymorphism, a fundamental principle in object-oriented programming.
Discover how embracing polymorphism in Python yields versatile and coherent designs, freeing you from rigid constraints.
Polymorphism Fundamentals
At its heart, polymorphism means “many forms,” describing the capacity for distinct objects to respond differently according to a uniform interface. Leveraging shared protocols, polymorphic entities promote loose coupling, streamline collaborations, and foster reusability.
Three Types of Polymorphism
Delving deeper into polymorphism reveals three primary categories:
- Parametric Polymorphism: Generic algorithms accommodate varying element types, exemplified by collections storing disparate items.