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Classes & Objects · Lesson 24 of 56

Polymorphism

Source: 8-Class And Objects/8.3-Polymorphism.ipynb

Start here — no coding background needed

What you will learn

Same action, different behavior per type.

In simple words

Different classes can share method names like `speak()` but do different things.

Group data and actions together — used in bigger apps; go slow, use analogies.

Easy example — try this first

Easy example — run this first. Change values and press Run again.

Python

Runs in your browser via Pyodide — no server. First run may take a few seconds.

Reference notes (from full bootcamp)

Optional — deeper detail for when you are ready

Polymorphism

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. It provides a way to perform a single action in different forms. Polymorphism is typically achieved through method overriding and interfaces

Method Overriding

Method overriding allows a child class to provide a specific implementation of a method that is already defined in its parent class.

Reference example
Python
Output
Expected (from notebook):
Woof!
Meow!
Woof!

Runs in your browser via Pyodide — no server. First run may take a few seconds.

Reference example
Python
Output
Expected (from notebook):
the area is 20
the area is 28.259999999999998

Runs in your browser via Pyodide — no server. First run may take a few seconds.

Polymorphism with Abstract Base Classes

Abstract Base Classes (ABCs) are used to define common methods for a group of related objects. They can enforce that derived classes implement particular methods, promoting consistency across different implementations.

Reference example
Python
Output
Expected (from notebook):
Car enginer started

Runs in your browser via Pyodide — no server. First run may take a few seconds.

Conclusion

Polymorphism is a powerful feature of OOP that allows for flexibility and integration in code design. It enables a single function to handle objects of different classes, each with its own implementation of a method. By understanding and applying polymorphism, you can create more extensible and maintainable object-oriented programs.

Practice test — try yourself

Write code, press Check. Wrong answer shows the correct code to copy & run.

You learned "Polymorphism". Use print() to show: Done: Polymorphism

Hint: Use one print() with the exact text.

Python