Is it true that an object-oriented program must always use inheritance?

In object-oriented programming (OOP), inheritance is a powerful feature that allows a class (child class) to inherit properties and behaviors (methods) from another class (parent class). However, it is not a mandatory characteristic that must be utilized in every object-oriented program.

The essence of OOP is centered around the concepts of encapsulation, polymorphism, and abstraction, in addition to inheritance. While inheritance can help in promoting code reuse and establishing a hierarchical classification of classes, it is entirely possible to design and implement programs using only single classes without utilizing inheritance at all.

Many programming scenarios may not require the complexity that comes with inheritance, and developers can achieve their goals through composition, where objects are composed of other objects rather than relying on hierarchical relationships. This approach can often lead to more flexible and maintainable code.

Thus, the statement that an object-oriented program must always use inheritance is incorrect, as inheritance is not a requirement but rather an optional feature that can be leveraged when it fits the design needs of a particular application.