What is polymorphism in C++?

Polymorphism in C++ refers to the ability of different objects to be treated as instances of the same class through a common interface, enabling methods to behave differently based on the type of object invoking them. This principle allows for flexibility and the ability to define a single interface for a group of related actions, where each derived class can implement its own version of a method.

For example, if you have a base class named Shape with a method draw(), and you have derived classes like Circle and Square, each of these classes can provide its own implementation of the draw() method. When you call the draw() method on an object of type Shape, the appropriate draw() method for the specific shape (either Circle or Square) will be executed, demonstrating polymorphic behavior.

This concept not only aids in code reusability but also enhances the adaptability of the code to new requirements. The ability to use a common interface while having specific implementations for different types is a key aspect of object-oriented programming, providing a powerful mechanism for achieving dynamic behavior in C++.