What is polymorphism in C#?

Polymorphism is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming (OOP) and plays a significant role in C#. It refers to the ability of different classes to be treated as instances of a common base class, allowing for flexibility and extensibility in your code. Here's how it works:

1. Method Overriding

• In C#, polymorphism is often achieved through method overriding, a technique where a derived class provides a specific implementation of a method that is already defined in its base class.

• The overridden method in the derived class should have the same name, return type, and parameters as the base class method.

2. Inheritance

• Polymorphism is closely related to inheritance, as it relies on the concept of a base class and derived classes. The base class defines a method, and the derived classes can override this method.

3. Example of Polymorphism

Let's consider an example to illustrate polymorphism:

• Assume we have a base class called "Shape" with a method "CalculateArea."

• We create two derived classes, "Circle" and "Rectangle," both inheriting from the "Shape" class. Each of these derived classes overrides the "CalculateArea" method with its own implementation.

• When working with polymorphism, you can treat both "Circle" and "Rectangle" objects as "Shape" objects, as they share the same base class. This allows you to call the "CalculateArea" method without knowing the specific derived class, and the appropriate implementation will be executed based on the object's actual type.

Benefits of Polymorphism in C#

• Code Reusability: Polymorphism promotes code reusability by allowing you to use a common interface (base class) for multiple derived classes.

• Flexibility: It makes your code more flexible, as you can add new derived classes without altering existing code that relies on the base class.

• Extensibility: Polymorphism simplifies the process of extending your software with new features and functionalities.

Conclusion

Polymorphism is a key concept in C# and .NET development. It enhances code reusability, flexibility, and extensibility, making it a crucial skill for any aspiring .NET developer. UrbanPro.com is the best platform to find experienced .NET Training tutors and Coaching Institutes. Connect with us today to explore the best online coaching for .Net Training and receive expert guidance on mastering C# and other essential concepts in .NET development. Happy coding!