Inheritance is based on a hierarchy of classes, which is implied by defining a class as a specialization or, using a different term, by an
IsA relationship, of one or several other classes.
- The subordinate classes are called subclasses and the superordinate classes are referred to as superclasses.
- Subclasses inherit the structure and behavior of their superclasses.
- The same attribute or method, but with a different type, respectively implementation, may be defined for different classes, names may thus be overloaded.
- If a subclass provides specific structure and behavior, this will override inheritance.
- Inheritance conflicts may arise if multiple inheritance takes place.
Reuse by Inheritance, Redefinition, and Conflicts
