What programming concept allows a subclass to inherit traits from a superclass?

The concept that allows a subclass to inherit traits from a superclass is inheritance. In object-oriented programming, inheritance is a fundamental principle that enables one class (the subclass) to acquire properties and behaviors (attributes and methods) from another class (the superclass). This leads to enhanced code reusability and the creation of hierarchical relationships between classes.

When a subclass inherits from a superclass, it can use the characteristics defined in the superclass without having to redefine them, while also being able to add its own specific traits or override existing ones. This creates a structured organization of code that can scale more effectively and simplifies maintenance.

The other concepts mentioned—encapsulation, polymorphism, and abstraction—have their distinct roles. Encapsulation refers to bundling data and methods that operate on that data within a single unit or class, protecting the internal state from external interference. Polymorphism allows for methods to do different things based on the object that it is acting upon, enabling a single method to provide different implementations. Abstraction focuses on hiding complex implementation details and showing only the necessary features of an object, thus simplifying interaction with it. While these concepts are essential in object-oriented programming, they do not pertain to the specific mechanism of a subclass inheriting traits from a