polymorfismu

Polymorphism is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming (OOP) that allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass. The term derives from Greek, meaning "many forms," reflecting its ability to present different behaviors under the same interface. It enables flexibility and extensibility in software design by enabling code to operate on objects without knowing their specific types.

Polymorphism manifests in two primary forms: compile-time (static) and runtime (dynamic). Compile-time polymorphism is achieved through method overloading, where multiple methods in the same class share the same name but differ in parameters, allowing the compiler to determine the correct method at compile time. Runtime polymorphism, on the other hand, is implemented via method overriding, where a subclass provides a specific implementation of a method already defined in its superclass. The method to be executed is determined at runtime based on the object's actual type, often facilitated by inheritance and interfaces.

Inheritance plays a crucial role in polymorphism, as subclasses inherit methods from their parent classes and can modify or extend their behavior. Interfaces further enhance polymorphism by defining contracts that classes can implement, ensuring consistent method signatures across unrelated classes. This promotes loose coupling, as objects interact through abstract definitions rather than concrete implementations.

Polymorphism simplifies code maintenance by reducing redundancy and enabling easier modifications. For instance, adding new subclasses with compatible interfaces requires minimal changes to existing code that relies on the superclass. It also enhances readability by abstracting complex logic behind unified interfaces, making programs more modular and easier to understand. Common languages supporting polymorphism include Java, C++, and Python, each with its own syntax and mechanisms for achieving this principle.