Define the following terms: superclass of a subclass, superclass/subclass relationship, is-a relationship, specialization, generalization, category, specific (local) attributes, specific relationships.

Short Answer

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In object-oriented programming, a superclass is a class from which other classes can inherit properties and methods, forming a superclass/subclass relationship. An is-a relationship implies inheritance - a subclass is a type of the superclass. Specialization is when a subclass provides more specific functionality than its superclass. Generalization factors out common properties and methods into a superclass. A category is a set of classes with similar characteristics. Specific attributes are properties unique to a subclass, not included in the superclass. Specific relationships are unique relationships between specific classes.

Step by step solution

01

Define Superclass of a Subclass

A superclass, also known as a parent class, is a class from which other classes inherit properties and methods. The subclass, also known as a child class, is a class that inherits from the superclass. For example, if 'Vehicle' is a superclass, 'Car' can be a subclass inheriting properties like wheels, engine etc. from 'Vehicle'.
02

Define Superclass/Subclass Relationship

The superclass/subclass relationship, also known as parent/child relationship, refers to the concept where subclasses inherit properties and methods from the superclass. In this relationship, the superclass sets a template or blueprint, and the subclass uses this blueprint but can also add additional properties or methods.
03

Define Is-a Relationship

An is-a relationship in object-oriented programming symbolizes inheritance. It specifically means that a subclass is a type of the superclass. For instance, if 'Car' is a subclass of the superclass 'Vehicle', we can say, 'Car' is-a 'Vehicle'.
04

Define Specialization

Specialization is a concept in object-oriented programming where a subclass is a specific instance of a superclass. It characterizes a scenario where a class provides more specific functionality than its superclass. For instance, 'Car' is a 'Vehicle' but it provides more specific functions like air conditioning or automatic transmission, which may not exist in the superclass 'Vehicle'.
05

Define Generalization

Generalization is the reverse process of specialization. When common properties and methods of multiple classes are factored out into a common superclass, this is known as generalization. It reduces redundancy and can simplify code.
06

Define Category

In the context of object-oriented programming, a category is a set of classes that can be grouped under a common superclass because they share similar characteristics or behaviors. For instance, 'Car', 'Motorcycle', and 'Bicycle' could all be individual classes within the 'Vehicle' category or superclass.
07

Define Specific (Local) Attributes

Specific (also known as local) attributes are the attributes or properties which are specific to a particular subclass and aren't included in the superclass. For instance, while 'Car' and 'Motorcycle' can inherit attributes like 'wheels' from the superclass 'Vehicle', a specific attribute for 'Car' could be 'air conditioning'.
08

Define Specific Relationships

Specific relationships in object-oriented programming refer to the unique relationships that exist between specific classes. These relationships could include specific cases of inheritance, composition, or association. For instance, a 'Driver' class might have a specific association with the 'Car' class through the 'drives' relationship.

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