How deeply does Object-Oriented Software Design in C++ cover multiple inheritance?

Explains inheritance structure, explicit member qualification, duplication reduction, and hardcoded behavior limits before deferring to composition.

Multiple inheritance

As explained in Object-Oriented Software Design in C++

Multiple inheritance is inheritance in which a class derives directly from more than one superclass.

Multiple inheritance lets a class derive directly from more than one superclass. It can combine a domain superclass with reusable behavior classes, but it may preserve hardcoded behavior choices and add coupling. section 7.3

Toy behaviors

A ToyCar can inherit from Toy, Roll, and Engine; ModelAirplane can inherit from Toy, Fly, and Engine; TrainSet can inherit from Toy, Roll, and ChooChoo. The subclass forwards play() and sound() explicitly with Roll::play(), Fly::play(), Engine::sound(), or ChooChoo::sound(). This shares behavior implementations, but each toy still hardcodes its choices. section 7.3

Use multiple inheritance when:

A class must retain an is-a relationship with a primary superclass while sharing independent behavior classes. section 7.3
An Adapter needs to implement a target interface while subclassing the adaptee. section 10.3

How Object-Oriented Software Design in C++ covers it

Cover of Object-Oriented Software Design in C++

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Also explained in

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Data-Oriented Programming: Reduce software complexityMultiple inheritance is a class-inheritance mechanism in which one class derives directly from more than one parent class.
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The Quick Python Book, Fourth EditionMultiple inheritance is an object-oriented language feature in which a class derives attributes and behavior from more than one parent class.

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Related concepts

inheritancekind of · Inheritance is a mechanism by which a child type or element receives properties, values, or behavior from a parent, subject to system rules and possible overrides.
adapterused by · The adapter pattern is a structural design pattern in which a component translates between interfaces or representations so otherwise incompatible components can work together.
Pythonused by · Python is a high-level, general-purpose, dynamically typed programming language known for readable syntax and automatic memory management.
diamond problemproduces · The diamond problem is ambiguity in multiple inheritance when distinct inheritance paths lead to a shared ancestor and conflict over inherited members.

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