C# Inheritance & Polymorphism

Base classes, virtual and override.

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class Dog : Animal inherits from Animal.
Mark base methods virtual and replace them with override.
base calls the parent constructor or method.
abstract classes and methods must be completed by subclasses.
sealed prevents further inheritance.

Key Takeaways: C# Inheritance & Polymorphism

Mastering C# Inheritance & Polymorphism helps you write clean and reliable C# code. Follow standard conventions, test edge cases, and keep logic simple. Try running the code example below and complete the exercises to build confidence.

C# Inheritance & Polymorphism Code Example

Animal[] pets = { new Dog("Moti"), new Cat("Billo") };
foreach (var pet in pets)
{
    Console.WriteLine(pet.Describe());
}

abstract class Animal
{
    public string Name { get; }
    protected Animal(string name) => Name = name;
    public abstract string Sound();
    public virtual string Describe() => $"{Name} says {Sound()}";
}

class Dog : Animal
{
    public Dog(string name) : base(name) { }
    public override string Sound() => "Woof";
}

class Cat : Animal
{
    public Cat(string name) : base(name) { }
    public override string Sound() => "Meow";
    public override string Describe() => base.Describe() + " (and ignores you)";
}

Output

Moti says Woof
Billo says Meow (and ignores you)

Run this example on your own computer. The "Get Started" lesson shows how to set it up.

C# Inheritance & Polymorphism Practice Exercises

Check what you learned in “C# Inheritance & Polymorphism”.

/ 2 solved

Fill in the blank

Replace a virtual method in a child class.

public  string Sound() => "Woof";

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

Multiple choice

Which keyword calls the parent class constructor?

base super parent this

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

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C# Inheritance & Polymorphism

💡 Key Takeaways: C# Inheritance & Polymorphism

C# Inheritance & Polymorphism Code Example

C# Inheritance & Polymorphism Practice Exercises

Key Takeaways: C# Inheritance & Polymorphism