Does Python support method overriding?
Yes, Python supports method overriding.
Method overriding is a feature of object-oriented programming where a subclass can provide its own implementation of a method that is already defined in its superclass. This allows the subclass to modify the behavior of the method without changing the superclass implementation.
Example:
class Animal:
def speak(self):
print("Animal speaks...")
class Dog(Animal):
def speak(self):
print("Dog barks...")
a = Animal()
a.speak() # Output: "Animal speaks..."
d = Dog()
d.speak() # Output: "Dog barks..."
In this example, we have a superclass called "Animal" and a subclass called "Dog". Both classes have a method called "speak". However, the implementation of the "speak" method is different in the "Dog" subclass compared to the "Animal" superclass.
When we create an instance of the "Animal" class and call the "speak" method, it prints "Animal speaks..." as expected. When we create an instance of the "Dog" class and call the "speak" method, it prints "Dog barks..." instead of "Animal speaks...". This is an example of method overriding.
Multiple ways to override a method:
- Using the "super" keyword
- Using the same name for the overridden method
Both approaches are valid and it depends on the specific use case which one to use.