Polymorphism means one interface, many forms: the same method call can do different things depending on the object it is called on. If Circle, Square and Triangle each define area(), then a loop that calls shape.area() works on all of them, and each object runs its own version. The calling code does not need if statements checking the type; the object itself knows how to respond.
Free account
Keep reading for free
Create a free StudyToCert account to read the rest of this lesson: 6 more sections, 3 key terms, a real-world example, an exam tip and self-check questions. Every lesson, lab and practice test is free with an account.