Python Hybrid Inheritance

Hybrid inheritance in Python combines multiple types of inheritance, such as single, multiple, and multilevel inheritance, within a single class hierarchy. It allows a class to inherit attributes and methods from multiple parent classes, often through a complex structure. Hybrid inheritance is useful for modeling real-world relationships where a class needs behaviors from various sources, but it requires careful design to avoid ambiguity, such as the diamond problem.

Diagram

The following diagram shows a hybrid inheritance structure where a class inherits from multiple parent classes, combining multilevel and multiple inheritance:

• System: Base class with general functionality.
• Database: Inherits from System, adds data storage capabilities.
• API: Inherits from System, adds request handling capabilities.
• App: Inherits from both Database and API, combining their features.

Syntax

# Base class attributes and methods
class BaseClass:

# Inherits from BaseClass
class DerivedClass1(BaseClass):

# Inherits from BaseClass
class DerivedClass2(BaseClass):

# Inherits from DerivedClass1 and DerivedClass2
class HybridClass(DerivedClass1, DerivedClass2):

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• BaseClass: The top-level parent class.
• DerivedClass1, DerivedClass2: Intermediate classes inheriting from BaseClass.
• HybridClass: Inherits from both intermediate classes, forming a hybrid structure (mix of multilevel and multiple inheritance).

Note: Use commas in the class definition to specify multiple parent classes. Python’s Method Resolution Order (MRO) determines which parent class method is called in case of conflicts.

Example

This example defines an System base class with a process method. Database and API inherit from System, adding store and request methods, respectively. App uses hybrid inheritance to inherit from both Database and API, combining their behaviors. The describe method in App calls methods from all parent classes, demonstrating access to inherited functionality.

class System:
  def process(self):
    return "Processing data"

class Database(System):
  def store(self):
    return "Storing data"

class API(System):
  def request(self):
    return "Handling request"

class App(Database, API):
  def describe(self):
    return f"{self.process()}, {self.store()}, {self.request()}"

app = App()
print(app.describe())

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The output would be:

Processing data, Storing data, Handling request

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Hybrid inheritance can lead to the diamond problem, where a class inherits the same method from multiple parents. Python resolves this using the Method Resolution Order (MRO), accessible via ClassName.mro(). Use hybrid inheritance judiciously to avoid complex hierarchies that are hard to maintain. Ensure parent classes are designed to work together to prevent method conflicts.