Computer Science: An Overview: Global Edition (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson Higher Education
ISBN 10: 1292061162
ISBN 13: 978-1-29206-116-0

Chapter 7 - Software Engineering - Chapter Review Problems - Page 368: 39

Answer

See explanation

Work Step by Step

Inheritance may not always be the optimal approach for implementing class generalizations due to several reasons: 1. **Tight Coupling:** Inheritance creates a tight coupling between the superclass and its subclasses. Changes to the superclass can affect all its subclasses, potentially leading to unintended consequences and increased complexity. 2. **Limited Reusability:** Subclasses inherit all the characteristics of their superclass, which may include unnecessary attributes or behaviors. This can limit the reusability of subclasses in different contexts. 3. **Rigid Hierarchy:** Inheritance enforces a rigid hierarchy, making it difficult to introduce new classes or modify existing ones without impacting the entire class hierarchy. This can hinder flexibility and maintainability in the long run. 4. **Alternative Design Patterns:** There are alternative design patterns, such as composition or interface implementation, that offer more flexibility and allow for better separation of concerns. Depending on the specific requirements of the system, these patterns may be more suitable for implementing class generalizations. Overall, while inheritance can be a powerful tool for code reuse and abstraction, it should be used judiciously, considering the specific needs and constraints of the system being designed.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.