What is a derived class?

A derived class is defined as a class that inherits attributes and behaviors from another class, which is often referred to as the base class or parent class. This relationship allows the derived class to utilize the methods and properties of the base class, thus promoting code reuse and a hierarchical organization of classes.

When a class is derived from another, it can extend or override the functionality of the base class, providing more specific behaviors or adding additional attributes tailored to the needs of the derived class. This concept is foundational in object-oriented programming, enabling polymorphism and the ability to create more complex systems built upon simpler, foundational structures.

This merit of the derived class structure supports a more organized development of software, allowing developers to build on existing code without having to rewrite common functionalities repeatedly. By focusing on the derived class's ability to enhance and utilize inherited traits, developers can create robust and scalable applications.