Generalization

Explore the concept of generalization in object-oriented design, where common properties and behaviors from multiple classes are abstracted into a single parent class. Understand how this approach improves code reusability, maintainability, and supports polymorphism. Gain insights into applying generalization through inheritance and how it aligns with design principles like the open/closed principle, enabling easier system extension without modifying existing code.

We'll cover the following...

Importance of generalization
Generalization vs. specialization
Generalization and inheritance
Generalization and polymorphism
Generalization in real-world example
Generalization and the open/closed principle (OCP)

Generalization is a fundamental concept in object-oriented design (OOD) that involves extracting common properties and behaviors from multiple classes and consolidating them into a single parent class. This allows subclasses to inherit shared attributes and methods while having the flexibility to specialize further. Abstracting common behaviors into a parent class simplifies code maintenance, enhances reusability, and supports easier code extension.

Importance of generalization

Code reusability: Reduces duplication by allowing subclasses to reuse code from the parent class.
Extensibility: New classes can easily be added by extending the parent class, without altering existing code.
Polymorphism: Parent class references can point to child class objects, promoting more general and adaptable code that can easily work with new subclasses in the future.
Maintainability: Changes to shared behavior must only be made in one ...