Inheritance in Python - GeeksforGeeks

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In this tutorial, we delve into Inheritance in Python<\/strong>, a core concept in object-oriented programming that enables classes to inherit attributes and methods from other classes. This concept promotes code reuse, improves modularity, and creates a hierarchical structure, making it easier to build complex applications by extending base class functionalities into derived classes.<\/p>

Key Features of Inheritance in Python:<\/h3>
Code Reusability<\/strong>: Allows derived classes to use methods and properties of parent classes, reducing redundancy.<\/li>
Class Hierarchies<\/strong>: Establishes a structured relationship among classes, facilitating polymorphism and modular code.<\/li>
Customization and Extension<\/strong>: Enables extending or overriding parent class features, allowing for custom implementations in derived classes.<\/li><\/ul>
Steps to Use Inheritance in Python:<\/h3>
Define a Base Class<\/strong>: Create a class that will serve as the parent, containing common attributes and methods.<\/li>
Create a Derived Class<\/strong>: Define a new class that inherits from the base class using the syntax class ChildClass(ParentClass).<\/li>
Override Methods (if needed)<\/strong>: Customize the inherited methods by defining them within the child class.<\/li>
Call Parent Class Methods<\/strong>: Use super() to access methods or properties of the base class within the derived class.<\/li><\/ul>
Common Mistakes to Avoid:<\/h3>
Incorrect Syntax for Inheritance<\/strong>: Ensure the parent class is correctly specified within parentheses in the child class definition.<\/li>
Overusing Inheritance<\/strong>: Only use inheritance when there is a clear \\\"is-a\\\" relationship; otherwise, it may lead to complex, tightly coupled code.<\/li>
Neglecting super()<\/strong>: Remember to use super() when you need to access parent class methods to avoid redundancy and ensure correct method resolution order (MRO).<\/li><\/ul>
Applications of Inheritance in Python:<\/h3>
Code Organization<\/strong>: Structure and group related functionalities in a modular way by using parent and child classes.<\/li>
Extending Functionality<\/strong>: Build upon existing code by inheriting and customizing methods without altering the original class.<\/li>
Polymorphism<\/strong>: Achieve polymorphic behavior by defining a common interface in the base class, enabling multiple child classes to use it differently.<\/li><\/ul>
Why Learn Inheritance in Python?<\/h3>
Inheritance is fundamental to mastering object-oriented programming and developing scalable applications. Learning inheritance will help you:<\/p>
Reuse Existing Code<\/strong>: Quickly extend the capabilities of established classes, making your code modular and efficient.<\/li>
Enhance Flexibility<\/strong>: Create versatile, polymorphic structures that can handle diverse functionality.<\/li>
Understand OOP Fundamentals<\/strong>: Grasping inheritance builds a foundation for advanced OOP concepts like polymorphism and encapsulation.<\/li><\/ul>
Topics Covered:<\/h3>
Basic Inheritance<\/strong>: Learn the syntax and basics of inheriting attributes and methods in Python.<\/li>
Method Overriding<\/strong>: Discover how to override base class methods within derived classes.<\/li>
Using super()<\/strong>: Understand how to access parent class methods and properties effectively.<\/li>
Types of Inheritance<\/strong>: Explore single, multiple, multilevel, and hierarchical inheritance.<\/li><\/ul>
For more insights and practical examples, check out the full article on GeeksforGeeks: Inheritance in Python<\/a>.<\/p>\",\"source\":\"https:\/\/cdnvideos.geeksforgeeks.org\/7bd0754a86356c7d2c4e588f5658e046gfg-InheritanceinPythonmp420241106104113\/video.m3u8\",\"category\":[{\"term_id__id\":10,\"term_id__term_name\":\"Python\",\"term_id__term_type\":1,\"term_id__slug\":\"python\"},{\"term_id__id\":118,\"term_id__term_name\":\"Python\",\"term_id__term_type\":2,\"term_id__slug\":\"python-eghmaz\"}],\"meta\":{\"thumbnail\":\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/InheritanceinPython\/InheritanceinPython20241106104205-small.png\",\"largeThumbnail\":\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/InheritanceinPython\/InheritanceinPython20241106104205.jpg\",\"likes\":1,\"views\":47710,\"isFeatured\":0,\"isPremium\":0,\"isPublic\":1,\"format\":\"video\/mp4\",\"revision\":{}},\"time\":\"06\/11\/2024\",\"subtitle\":\"https:\/\/cdnvideos.geeksforgeeks.org\/7bd0754a86356c7d2c4e588f5658e046gfg-InheritanceinPythonmp420241106104113\/subtitle.vtt\",\"duration\":850,\"course_link\":\"https:\/\/www.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/master-python-complete-beginner-to-advanced\",\"video_schema\":{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"VideoObject\",\"name\":\"Inheritance in Python\",\"description\":\"Inheritance in PythonIn this tutorial, we delve into Inheritance in Python, a core concept in object-oriented programming that enables classes to inherit attributes and methods from other classes. This concept promotes code reuse, improves modularity, and creates a hierarchical structure, making it easier to build complex applications by extending base class functionalities into derived classes.Key Features of Inheritance in PythonCode Reusability Allows derived classes to use methods and properties of parent classes, reducing redundancy.Class Hierarchies Establishes a structured relationship among classes, facilitating polymorphism and modular code.Customization and Extension Enables extending or overriding parent class features, allowing for custom implementations in derived classes.Steps to Use Inheritance in PythonDefine a Base Class Create a class that will serve as the parent, containing common attributes and methods.Create a Derived Class Define a new class that inherits from the base class using the syntax class ChildClass(ParentClass).Override Methods (if needed) Customize the inherited methods by defining them within the child class.Call Parent Class Methods Use super() to access methods or properties of the base class within the derived class.Common Mistakes to AvoidIncorrect Syntax for Inheritance Ensure the parent class is correctly specified within parentheses in the child class definition.Overusing Inheritance Only use inheritance when there is a clear is-a relationship otherwise, it may lead to complex, tightly coupled code.Neglecting super() Remember to use super() when you need to access parent class methods to avoid redundancy and ensure correct method resolution order (MRO).Applications of Inheritance in PythonCode Organization Structure and group related functionalities in a modular way by using parent and child classes.Extending Functionality Build upon existing code by inheriting and customizing methods without altering the original class.Polymorphism Achieve polymorphic behavior by defining a common interface in the base class, enabling multiple child classes to use it differently.Why Learn Inheritance in Python?Inheritance is fundamental to mastering object-oriented programming and developing scalable applications. Learning inheritance will help youReuse Existing Code Quickly extend the capabilities of established classes, making your code modular and efficient.Enhance Flexibility Create versatile, polymorphic structures that can handle diverse functionality.Understand OOP Fundamentals Grasping inheritance builds a foundation for advanced OOP concepts like polymorphism and encapsulation.Topics CoveredBasic Inheritance Learn the syntax and basics of inheriting attributes and methods in Python.Method Overriding Discover how to override base class methods within derived classes.Using super() Understand how to access parent class methods and properties effectively.Types of Inheritance Explore single, multiple, multilevel, and hierarchical inheritance.For more insights and practical examples, check out the full article on GeeksforGeeks Inheritance in Python.\",\"thumbnailUrl\":[\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/InheritanceinPython\/InheritanceinPython20241106104205.jpg\",\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/InheritanceinPython\/InheritanceinPython20241106104205-seo.png\",\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/InheritanceinPython\/InheritanceinPython20241106104205-small.png\"],\"uploadDate\":\"2024-11-06T10:44:49Z\",\"duration\":\"PT0H14M10S\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.geeksforgeeks.org\/videos\/inheritance-in-python-1\/\"}}]"); Inheritance in Python - GeeksforGeeks

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Inheritance in Python

Last Updated : 09 Oct, 2025

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Inheritance is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming (OOP) that allows a class (called a child or derived class) to inherit attributes and methods from another class (called a parent or base class). In this article, we'll explore inheritance in Python.
Example: Here, we create a parent class Animal that has a method info(). Then we create a child classes Dog that inherit from Animal and add their own behavior.
Python class Animal: def __init__(self, name): self.name = name def info(self): print("Animal name:", self.name) class Dog(Animal): def sound(self): print(self.name, "barks") d = Dog("Buddy") d.info() # Inherited method d.sound()

Output
Animal name: Buddy Buddy barks
Explanation:
class Animal: Defines the parent class.
info(): Prints the name of the animal.
class Dog(Animal): Defines Dog as a child of Animal class.
d.info(): Calls parent method info() and d.sound(): Calls child method.
Inheritance in Python
Why do we need Inheritance
Promotes code reusability by sharing attributes and methods across classes.
Models real-world hierarchies like Animal -> Dog or Person -> Employee.
Simplifies maintenance through centralized updates in parent classes.
Enables method overriding for customized subclass behavior.
Supports scalable, extensible design using polymorphism.
super() Function
super() function is used to call the parent class’s methods. In particular, it is commonly used in the child class’s __init__() method to initialize inherited attributes. This way, the child class can leverage the functionality of the parent class.
Example: Here, Dog uses super() to call Animal’s constructor
Python # Parent Class: Animal class Animal: def __init__(self, name): self.name = name def info(self): print("Animal name:", self.name) # Child Class: Dog class Dog(Animal): def __init__(self, name, breed): super().__init__(name) # Call parent constructor self.breed = breed def details(self): print(self.name, "is a", self.breed) d = Dog("Buddy", "Golden Retriever") d.info() # Parent method d.details() # Child method

Output
Animal name: Buddy Buddy is a Golden Retriever
Explanation:
The super() function is used inside __init__() method of Dog to call the constructor of Animal and initialize inherited attribute (name).
This ensures that parent class functionality is reused without needing to rewrite the code in the child class.
Types of Python Inheritance
Inheritance be used in different ways depending on how many parent and child classes are involved. They help model real-world relationships more effectively and allow flexibility in code reuse.
Python supports several types of inheritance, let's explore it one by one:
1. Single Inheritance
In single inheritance, a child class inherits from just one parent class.
Example: This example shows a child class Employee inheriting a property from the parent class Person.
Python class Person: def __init__(self, name): self.name = name class Employee(Person): # Employee inherits from Person def show_role(self): print(self.name, "is an employee") emp = Employee("Sarah") print("Name:", emp.name) emp.show_role()

Output
Name: Sarah Sarah is an employee
Explanation: Here Employee inherits name from Person, it also defines its own method show_role().
2. Multiple Inheritance
In multiple inheritance, a child class can inherit from more than one parent class.
Example: This example demonstrates Employee inheriting properties from two parent classes: Person and Job.
Python class Person: def __init__(self, name): self.name = name class Job: def __init__(self, salary): self.salary = salary class Employee(Person, Job): # Inherits from both Person and Job def __init__(self, name, salary): Person.__init__(self, name) Job.__init__(self, salary) def details(self): print(self.name, "earns", self.salary) emp = Employee("Jennifer", 50000) emp.details()

Output
Jennifer earns 50000
Explanation: Here Employee gets attributes from both Person and Job and It can access both name and salary.
3. Multilevel Inheritance
In multilevel inheritance, a class is derived from another derived class (like a chain).
Example: This example shows Manager inheriting from Employee, which in turn inherits from Person.
Python class Person: def __init__(self, name): self.name = name class Employee(Person): def show_role(self): print(self.name, "is an employee") class Manager(Employee): # Manager inherits from Employee def department(self, dept): print(self.name, "manages", dept, "department") mgr = Manager("Joy") mgr.show_role() mgr.department("HR")

Output
Joy is an employee Joy manages HR department
Explanation: Here Manager inherits from Employee and Employee inherits from Person. So Manager can use methods from both parent and grandparent.
4. Hierarchical Inheritance
In hierarchical inheritance, multiple child classes inherit from the same parent class.
Example: This example demonstrates two child classes (Employee and Intern) inheriting from a single parent class Person.
Python class Person: def __init__(self, name): self.name = name class Employee(Person): def role(self): print(self.name, "works as an employee") class Intern(Person): def role(self): print(self.name, "is an intern") emp = Employee("David") emp.role() intern = Intern("Eva") intern.role()

Output
David works as an employee Eva is an intern
Explanation: Both Employee and Intern inherit from Person. They share the parent’s property (name) but implement their own methods.
5. Hybrid Inheritance
Hybrid inheritance is a combination of more than one type of inheritance.
Example: This example demonstrates TeamLead inheriting from both Employee (which inherits Person) and Project, combining multiple inheritance types.
Python class Person: def __init__(self, name): self.name = name class Employee(Person): def role(self): print(self.name, "is an employee") class Project: def __init__(self, project_name): self.project_name = project_name class TeamLead(Employee, Project): # Hybrid Inheritance def __init__(self, name, project_name): Employee.__init__(self, name) Project.__init__(self, project_name) def details(self): print(self.name, "leads project:", self.project_name) lead = TeamLead("Sophia", "AI Development") lead.role() lead.details()

Output
Sophia is an employee Sophia leads project: AI Development
Explanation: Here TeamLead inherits from Employee (which already inherits Person) and also from Project. This combines single, multilevel and multiple inheritance -> hybrid.
For more details, read this article: Types of inheritance in Python

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