1. What is Polymorphism?

Polymorphism = “Many Forms”

Definition:

Polymorphism is an OOP feature that allows one interface to be used for multiple
purposes.

Example idea:

A person acts as:

student in class

customer in shop

friend at home
Same person → different behavior.

2. Types of Polymorphism

Polymorphism in C++ is of two types:

A) Compile-Time Polymorphism (Early Binding / Static Binding)

Occurs at compile time.

1 Function Overloading
1️⃣

Same function name, different parameters.

Example:
int add(int a, int b);
float add(float x, float y);

add() works differently depending on parameter type/count.

2️⃣ Operator Overloading

Redefining the meaning of an operator.

Example:
Complex operator + (Complex c);

+ performs addition of two Complex objects.

✔ Advantages of Compile-Time Polymorphism

faster execution

clear readability

easy to use
B) Run-Time Polymorphism (Late Binding / Dynamic Binding)

Occurs at runtime.

1️⃣ Function Overriding

Same function name and signature in:

base class

derived class

Used with inheritance.

Example:
class A {
public:
virtual void show() {
cout << "Base class";
}
};

class B : public A {
public:
void show() {
cout << "Derived class";
}
};

How it works?

Base class pointer → Derived class object

Calls derived class function at runtime

2️⃣ Virtual Functions

Declared in base class using virtual keyword

Enable runtime polymorphism

Rules:

Must be in base class

Cannot be static

Accessed through pointers

✔ Advantages of Run-Time Polymorphism

flexibility

extensibility

allows overriding base class behavior

3. Difference Between Compile-Time & Run-Time Polymorphism

Provides flexibility

Helps in code reusability

Allows same interface for different actions

Makes program easier to maintain

5. Short Exam Answers (Quick Revision)

Polymorphism is the ability of an object to take many forms. It allows the same
function or operator to behave differently based on context.

Q: What is function overloading?

Using the same function name with different parameters.

Q: What is function overriding?

Redefining a base class function in a derived class.

Q: What are virtual functions?

Functions declared with the virtual keyword to enable runtime polymorphism.