Polymorphism through functions in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is polymorphism in programming?

Polymorphism means one thing can take many forms. In programming, it allows functions or methods to work with different types of data or objects.

beginner

How does polymorphism work with functions in Python?

In Python, polymorphism lets the same function name work with different types of inputs. The function behaves differently depending on the input type.

beginner

Example: What will this code print?

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

print(add(2, 3))
print(add('Hi, ', 'there!'))

It prints:<br>5<br>Hi, there!<br>The same function add works for numbers and strings because + means addition for numbers and concatenation for strings.

beginner

Why is polymorphism useful in programming?

It makes code simpler and flexible. You can use one function for many types of data, so you write less code and it works in more situations.

intermediate

What happens if a function expects a certain type but gets another?

If the function can't handle the input type, Python will raise an error. Polymorphism works only if the function's operations make sense for the input types.

What does polymorphism allow a function to do?

A Change its name automatically

B Only work with numbers

C Work with different types of inputs

D Run faster

Polymorphism lets a function handle different input types, like numbers or strings.

What will this code output?

def multiply(x, y):
    return x * y

print(multiply(3, 4))
print(multiply('Hi', 3))

A 12 and HiHiHi

B 7 and Hi3

C Error and HiHiHi

D 12 and Error

Multiplying numbers gives 12. Multiplying a string by a number repeats the string.

If a function uses + operator, which types can it work with in Python?

A Numbers and strings

B Only numbers

C Only strings

D Lists only

The + operator adds numbers and joins strings, so the function can work with both.

What error occurs if a function tries to add a number and a string?

A SyntaxError

B TypeError

C ValueError

D NameError

Python raises a TypeError when you try to add incompatible types like number and string.

Why is polymorphism called 'many forms'?

A Because it changes the function name

B Because it only works with classes

C Because it runs multiple times

D Because one function can behave differently with different inputs

Polymorphism means one function can take many forms by working differently depending on input types.

Explain polymorphism through functions in your own words and give a simple example.

Think about how one function can add numbers and join strings.

Describe why polymorphism is helpful when writing Python functions.

Consider how one function can replace many similar functions.