C# Polymorphism

C# Polymorphism

Polymorphism in C# is an OOP concept that allows objects to take many forms.
It enables a method, class, or object to behave differently based on context.

There are two types of polymorphism in C#:

1. Compile-time Polymorphism (Method Overloading / Operator Overloading)

2. Run-time Polymorphism (Method Overriding)

🔹 1. Compile-time Polymorphism

Method Overloading

Same method name, different parameters:

Operator Overloading

C# allows custom behavior for operators:

🔹 2. Run-time Polymorphism

Method Overriding

• Base class method is marked virtual

• Derived class method uses override

Using base Keyword

Call base class method from derived class:

🔹 Advantages of Polymorphism

✔ Code reusability
✔ Flexibility and scalability
✔ Simplifies maintenance
✔ Supports dynamic behavior

🔹 Common Mistakes

❌ Forgetting virtual in base class
❌ Using same signature incorrectly
❌ Confusing overloading (compile-time) with overriding (run-time)

🔹 Summary

• Polymorphism = “many forms”

• Compile-time → method/operator overloading

• Run-time → method overriding using virtual & override

• Supports flexible and reusable code