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Subtyping and inheritance are two important concepts in object-oriented programming.
Subtyping is a relationship between types where a subtype is considered to be a specialized version of its supertype. Subtyping allows a subtype to be used in place of its supertype, providing flexibility and polymorphism. It enables code reuse and promotes modularity by allowing objects of different types to be treated uniformly.
Inheritance is a mechanism in object-oriented programming that allows a class (subclass) to inherit properties and behaviors from another class (superclass). Inheritance establishes an "is-a" relationship between classes, where a subclass is a specific type of its superclass. It enables code reuse and promotes modularity by allowing subclasses to inherit and extend the functionality of the superclass.
While both subtyping and inheritance facilitate code reuse and promote modularity, there are important differences between them.
Subtyping focuses on defining relationships between types, allowing for polymorphism and substitutability. It emphasizes interface compatibility and the ability to use a subtype wherever its supertype is expected. Subtyping is particularly useful when dealing with interfaces, abstract classes, and polymorphic behavior.
Inheritance, on the other hand, focuses on defining relationships between classes, allowing for code reuse and extension of functionality. It emphasizes the inheritance of implementation details and structural hierarchy. Inheritance is particularly useful when dealing with concrete classes and shared implementation.
In summary, subtyping emphasizes type relationships and polymorphism, while inheritance emphasizes code reuse and extension. Both concepts have their strengths and are valuable tools in object-oriented programming, and their appropriate use depends on the specific requirements and design goals of a given project.
Manager.bonus() uses Employee.bonus()<aside> 💡 Class Hierarchy represents both subtyping and inheritance.
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