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When a class inherits from multiple classes that have a method with the same name, describe the step-by-step process the Method Resolution Order (MRO) uses to determine which method is called.

easy🧠🧾 Concept Trace Q12 of Q15
OOP & Design Patterns - Inheritance - Types, Method Resolution Order & Diamond Problem
When a class inherits from multiple classes that have a method with the same name, describe the step-by-step process the Method Resolution Order (MRO) uses to determine which method is called.
AMRO uses a linearization algorithm that merges the order of parents and their ancestors to find the method.
BMRO searches the first parent class fully before moving to the next parent class.
CMRO always calls the method from the last parent class listed in the inheritance.
DMRO randomly picks the method from any parent class that defines it.
Step-by-Step Solution
  1. Step 1: Understand naive search

    MRO does not simply search the first parent class fully before moving to the next; it uses a more sophisticated approach.
  2. Step 2: Recognize MRO linearization

    MRO uses a specific linearization (like C3 linearization) that merges parent classes and their ancestors in a consistent order.
  3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options

    MRO always calls the method from the last parent class listed in the inheritance is incorrect because the last parent is not always chosen; order and ancestors matter. MRO randomly picks the method from any parent class that defines it is incorrect because MRO is deterministic, not random.
  4. Final Answer:

    Option A -> Option A
  5. Quick Check:

    MRO merges inheritance hierarchies to find the correct method in a predictable order.
Quick Trick: MRO = deterministic linearization of inheritance graph
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming simple left-to-right search suffices
  • Believing last parent always overrides
  • Thinking method choice is random
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Options A and C reflect common misunderstandings about MRO being a simple or last-in-line search, while D is obviously wrong but tempting if one thinks method resolution is arbitrary.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests deep understanding of how MRO resolves method conflicts in multiple inheritance.
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