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In object-oriented programming, subclass and superclass are fundamental concepts describing a hierarchical relationship between classes. A superclass, also known as a parent class or base class, is a class from which other classes inherit properties and behaviors. A subclass, conversely, is a class that inherits from a superclass, referred to as a child class or derived class.

This inheritance mechanism allows for code reusability and the establishment of an "is-a" relationship. For instance, if "Vehicle" is a superclass, then "Car" and "Bicycle" can be subclasses of "Vehicle." A "Car" "is-a" "Vehicle," and it inherits general characteristics of vehicles, such as having wheels and an engine, while also possessing its own unique attributes and methods.

Subclasses can extend the functionality of their superclass by adding new attributes and methods. They can also override methods inherited from the superclass, providing a specialized implementation. This polymorphism allows objects of subclasses to be treated as objects of their superclass, enhancing flexibility in program design.

The terms "subclass" and "superclass" are commonly used in languages like Java, Python, and C++. Understanding this inheritance model is crucial for grasping concepts like abstraction, polymorphism, and how to structure complex software systems effectively. The relationship is always unidirectional, with the subclass inheriting from the superclass, not the other way around.