diff --git a/content/python/concepts/inheritance/terms/hybrid-inheritance/hybrid-inheritance.md b/content/python/concepts/inheritance/terms/hybrid-inheritance/hybrid-inheritance.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..4411deaa2cc --- /dev/null +++ b/content/python/concepts/inheritance/terms/hybrid-inheritance/hybrid-inheritance.md @@ -0,0 +1,108 @@ +--- +Title: 'Hybrid Inheritance' +Description: 'Hybrid inheritance combines multiple types of inheritance, allowing a class to inherit features from more than one parent and represent complex real-world relationships.' +Subjects: + - 'AI' + - 'Computer Science' + - 'Data Science' + - 'Machine Learning' +Tags: + - 'AI' + - 'Inheritance' + - 'Machine Learning' + - 'Python' +CatalogContent: + - 'learn-python-3' + - 'paths/computer-science' +--- + +**Hybrid inheritance** in Python combines multiple types of inheritance, such as single, multiple, and multilevel inheritance, within a single class hierarchy. It allows a class to inherit attributes and methods from multiple parent classes, often through a complex structure. Hybrid inheritance is useful for modeling real-world relationships where a class needs behaviors from various sources, but it requires careful design to avoid ambiguity, such as the diamond problem. + +## Diagram + +The following diagram shows a hybrid inheritance structure where a class inherits from multiple parent classes, combining multilevel and multiple inheritance: + +![Hybrid-Inheritance-Diagram](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Codecademy/docs/main/media/Hybrid-Inheritance.png) + +- `System`: Base class with general functionality. +- `Database`: Inherits from `System`, adds data storage capabilities. +- `API`: Inherits from `System`, adds request handling capabilities. +- `App`: Inherits from both `Database` and `API`, combining their features. + +## Syntax + +```python +# Base class attributes and methods +class BaseClass: + +# Inherits from BaseClass +class DerivedClass1(BaseClass): + +# Inherits from BaseClass +class DerivedClass2(BaseClass): + +# Inherits from DerivedClass1 and DerivedClass2 +class HybridClass(DerivedClass1, DerivedClass2): +``` + +- `BaseClass`: The top-level parent class. +- `DerivedClass1`, `DerivedClass2`: Intermediate classes inheriting from `BaseClass`. +- `HybridClass`: Inherits from both intermediate classes, forming a hybrid structure (mix of multilevel and multiple inheritance). + +> **Note:** Use commas in the class definition to specify multiple parent classes. Python’s Method Resolution Order (MRO) determines which parent class method is called in case of conflicts. + +## Example + +This example defines an `System` base class with a `process` method. `Database` and `API` inherit from `System`, adding `store` and `request` methods, respectively. `App` uses hybrid inheritance to inherit from both `Database` and `API`, combining their behaviors. The `describe` method in `App` calls methods from all parent classes, demonstrating access to inherited functionality. + +```py +class System: + def process(self): + return "Processing data" + +class Database(System): + def store(self): + return "Storing data" + +class API(System): + def request(self): + return "Handling request" + +class App(Database, API): + def describe(self): + return f"{self.process()}, {self.store()}, {self.request()}" + +app = App() +print(app.describe()) +``` + +The output would be: + +```shell +Processing data, Storing data, Handling request +``` + +## Codebyte + +```codebyte/python +class System: + def process(self): + return "Processing data" + +class Database(System): + def store(self): + return "Storing data" + +class API(System): + def request(self): + return "Handling request" + +class App(Database, API): + def describe(self): + return f"{self.process()}, {self.store()}, {self.request()}" + +app = App() +print(app.describe()) +``` + +Hybrid inheritance can lead to the diamond problem, where a class inherits the same method from multiple parents. Python resolves this using the Method Resolution Order (MRO), accessible via **`ClassName.mro()`**. Use hybrid inheritance judiciously to avoid complex hierarchies that are hard to maintain. Ensure parent classes are designed to work together to prevent method conflicts. diff --git a/media/Hybrid-Inheritance.png b/media/Hybrid-Inheritance.png new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..525e1a5f41d Binary files /dev/null and b/media/Hybrid-Inheritance.png differ