Inheriting attributes and methods in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does it mean to inherit attributes and methods in Python?

It means a new class (child) can use the properties (attributes) and actions (methods) of an existing class (parent) without rewriting them.

beginner

How do you define a child class that inherits from a parent class in Python?

You write the child class name followed by parentheses containing the parent class name, like: <code>class Child(Parent):</code>

beginner

If a child class does not have a method, but the parent class does, what happens when you call that method on a child object?

The child object uses the parent's method automatically because it inherits it.

intermediate

What is the purpose of the super() function in inheritance?

<code>super()</code> lets the child class call a method from its parent class, often to extend or reuse the parent's behavior.

beginner

Can a child class have its own attributes and methods different from the parent class?

Yes, a child class can add new attributes and methods or override existing ones from the parent.

How do you indicate that a class Dog inherits from a class Animal in Python?

A class Dog extends Animal:

B class Dog inherits Animal:

C class Dog -> Animal:

D class Dog(Animal):

In Python, inheritance is shown by putting the parent class name in parentheses after the child class name.

If a parent class has a method walk() and the child class does not, what happens when you call walk() on a child object?

A It uses the parent's <code>walk()</code> method.

B It causes an error because the child has no method.

C It does nothing.

D It calls a default method from Python.

The child inherits methods from the parent, so it uses the parent's walk() method.

What does the super() function do in a child class?

A Creates a new parent class.

B Calls a method from the parent class.

C Deletes the parent class.

D Overrides the parent class.

super() is used to call a method from the parent class inside the child class.

Can a child class have attributes that the parent class does not have?

A No, child classes must have the same attributes.

B Only if the parent allows it.

C Yes, child classes can add new attributes.

D Only if you use <code>super()</code>.

Child classes can add new attributes and methods beyond what the parent has.

Which of these is true about method overriding in inheritance?

A Child class can provide its own version of a parent's method.

B Parent class can override child's methods.

C Methods cannot be changed once inherited.

D Overriding deletes the parent's method.

Method overriding means the child class defines a method with the same name to replace the parent's version.

Explain in your own words what happens when a child class inherits from a parent class in Python.

Think about how a child can reuse and extend what the parent has.

Describe how and why you would use the super() function inside a child class method.

Imagine you want to add something extra but keep the parent's work.