Polymorphism

Polymorphism

Polymorphism means “many forms”.

In programming, polymorphism allows objects of different classes to be treated the same way, even if they behave differently.

🔁 In simple words: One function, many behaviors, depending on the object calling it.

🔸 Example 1: Polymorphism with Functions and Classes

class Cat:
    def sound(self):
        print("Meow")

class Dog:
    def sound(self):
        print("Woof")

# Common interface
def make_sound(animal):
    animal.sound()

# Different objects
c = Cat()
d = Dog()

make_sound(c)  # Output: Meow
make_sound(d)  # Output: Woof

✅ Explanation:

• Both Cat and Dog classes have a sound() method.
• The make_sound() function calls sound(), but the actual output depends on the object passed.
• This is polymorphism — the same function behaves differently for different object types.

🔸 Example 2: Polymorphism with Inheritance

class Vehicle:
    def start(self):
        print("Starting vehicle...")

class Car(Vehicle):
    def start(self):
        print("Starting car...")

class Bike(Vehicle):
    def start(self):
        print("Starting bike...")

# Polymorphism in action
for v in (Car(), Bike()):
    v.start()

✅ Output:

Starting car...
Starting bike...

Even though Car and Bike are both types of Vehicle, they have their own version of the start() method.