Superclass (computer science): Difference between revisions

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In [[computer science]], a '''superclass''' is a [[class (computer science)|class]] from which other classes are derived. A superclass is also called a ''parent class''. The classes that are derived from a superclass are known as ''child classes'', ''derived classes'', or [[subclass (computer science)|subclasses]]. We can also say that a class '''A''' ''extends'' class '''B''' when '''A''' is a ''subclass'' of the '''B''' ''superclass''.

A superclass allows for a generic interface to specialized functionality through the use of [[Virtual function|virtual functions]].

The superclass mechanism is extensively used in [[object oriented]] programming due to the [[reusability]] that can be achieved: common features are encapsulated in modular objects.