Polymorphism
Polymorphism allows us to write code that is less dependent on the types we are trying to manipulate. This can make our code clearer and more efficient. Polymorphism means different forms. If the objects that we code can be more than one type of thing, then we can take advantage of this.
Note
What does polymorphism mean to us? Boiled down to its simplest definition, polymorphism is this: any sub-class can be used as part of the code that uses the super-class. This means we can write code that is simpler and easier to understand and also easier to modify or change. Also, we can write code for the super-class and rely on the fact that no matter how many times it is sub-classed, within certain parameters, the code will still work.
Let's discuss an example.
Suppose we want to use polymorphism to help write a zoo management game where we have to feed and tend to the needs of animals. We will probably want to have a function such as feed
. We will also probably want to pass...