Define Polymorphism with a real-life example.

Here's a definition of polymorphism with a real-life example:

Polymorphism, in object-oriented programming (OOP), refers to the ability of objects belonging to different classes to respond to the same message or function call in different ways. It's like having multiple personalities within a single entity.

Real-life example:

Consider a remote control:

• It has a single button labeled "Play."
• But when you press that button, it can trigger different actions depending on the device you're controlling:
  • It starts a movie on a DVD player.
  • It plays music on a stereo system.
  • It pauses a live TV broadcast.

Here's how this translates to OOP:

• The remote control is an object.
• The "Play" button represents a method (function) of that object.
• The DVD player, stereo system, and TV are different classes of objects.
• Each class overrides the "Play" method to implement its specific behavior.

This polymorphism enables:

• Flexibility: The same code can work with different types of objects, making it adaptable and reusable.
• Extensibility: New classes can be added without modifying existing code, promoting maintainability.
• Code clarity: The code becomes more readable and intuitive as it focuses on the actions rather than the specific object types.

Other real-life examples:

• A person can be a father, a son, a teacher, and a friend, all at the same time, exhibiting different behaviors in each role.
• A vehicle can be a car, a truck, a boat, or an airplane, each with its unique way of moving.
• A word can have multiple meanings (e.g., "bank" can refer to a financial institution or a river's edge), and its interpretation depends on the context.

Polymorphism is a powerful concept that enables code flexibility, reusability, and maintainability, making it a cornerstone of object-oriented programming.