CurriculumPolymorphism
Polymorphism
<strong>Polymorphism</strong> means 'many forms'. Call the same function on different objects and get different behavior, decided at runtime.
01Runtime Polymorphism
A base class pointer pointing to a derived object with a virtual function: the DERIVED version runs, decided at runtime.
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02Polymorphism with Collections
The true power: iterate through base-class pointers and call virtual functions. The correct derived version runs automatically.
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03Compile-Time vs Runtime Polymorphism
Compile-time (overloading) is decided at compile. Runtime (virtual functions) is decided while the program runs.
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04override and final Keywords
'override' confirms you are actually overriding a virtual. 'final' prevents further overriding down the chain.
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05dynamic_cast (Pro Tip)
Safely downcast a base pointer to a derived pointer at runtime. Returns nullptr if the cast fails.
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AI Tutor
Polymorphism is what makes game engines, UI frameworks, and plugin systems possible. Write code that works on ANY shape, ANY creature without knowing the specific type.