Polymorphism discussion

[Dillinger4]

I just started going for my bachelors degree in computer science(which means i have to rehash some basic concepts). and my teacher wanted us to show some coding examples of polymorphism. Here is my attempt. Would anyone like to show
any of their examples and or tips.

 import java.util.*; 

 public class X {
  public static void main(String[] args){
    Vector v = new Vector();
    v.addElement(new Superhero()); 
    v.addElement(new Sidekick());
    
    Iterator i = v.iterator();   
     while(i.hasNext()){
       Superhero s = (Superhero)i.next(); 
         s.printStatus();   
    }
   }
  }
 class Superhero {
   public void printStatus(){
    System.out.println("I am the super hero!"); 
   }
 }
 class Sidekick extends Superhero{
   public void printStatus(){
    System.out.println("I am a side kick!"); 
   }
 }

[billrogers]

Dont forget that overloading is a form of polymorphism.

[billrogers]

I sort of disagree with your example. A sidekick should not be an extension of a super hero, you may need to add a class called person.

Person
Super Hero Side Kick Evil Villian (Bill who?)

Do you agree disagree?

[billrogers]

The greatest thing I think poly gives a programmer is the ability to adapt to things.

The oldie but goodie shape example:

Say I have a shape class that has a draw method.
I then go on to make two new subclasses Circle and Rectangle, and give them their own draw method. Later I decide I need to support Triangles, so I create a new subclass called Triangle and with its own draw method. I didnt have to change any pre existing code to add support of triangles. Now that is a beautiful thing.

[Dillinger4]

Yes i totaly agree with you in the respect that a sidekick should not be an extension of a superhero. As you have pointed out a superhero should probably be an extension of a person.