In object-oriented programming, what is inheritance?

Inheritance in object-oriented programming is a fundamental concept where one class, known as the child or subclass, is able to inherit properties and methods from another class, referred to as the parent or superclass. This mechanism promotes code reuse, allowing the child class to utilize existing functionalities of the parent class while also having the option to extend or override those functionalities.

By inheriting from a parent class, the child class automatically gains access to its attributes and behaviors, simplifying the development process and ensuring a more organized code structure. This relationship also facilitates polymorphism, where a subclass can define its specific behavior while still being treated as an instance of its parent class.

This concept is vital for implementing hierarchical class structures, allowing for greater abstraction and encapsulation in code. As such, it plays a crucial role in effectively managing and organizing code in larger software applications.