What does inheritance in programming allow?

Inheritance in programming is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming that allows one class to inherit properties and behaviors (methods and attributes) from another class. This mechanism enables the creation of a hierarchical relationship between classes, where a subclass (child class) can acquire and utilize the characteristics of a superclass (parent class) while also being able to extend or override those properties.

This approach promotes code reusability, as the child class can use the existing functionality of the parent class without rewriting the code. Additionally, inheritance supports the establishment of more organized and manageable code structures, making it easier to maintain and scale applications. Through inheritance, developers can create specialized versions of a general class, enhancing the flexibility and modularity of the software.

The other options pertain to concepts that do not align with the principles of inheritance. Sharing methods and attributes among unrelated classes is not facilitated through inheritance; it typically involves different mechanisms like composition or interfaces. Creation of completely independent classes does not relate to inheritance, as it suggests classes that do not share any common features. Lastly, removing methods from existing classes is not within the scope of inheritance, which focuses on acquiring rather than removing features.