What allows objects to inherit properties, where the class being inherited from is referred to as the superclass?

Inheritance is a core concept in object-oriented programming that allows a new class (often referred to as a subclass or derived class) to acquire properties and methods from an existing class (known as the superclass or base class). This mechanism promotes code reusability and establishes a hierarchical relationship between classes.

By inheriting from a superclass, the subclass can utilize the attributes and behaviors defined in the superclass without having to rewrite the code, which streamlines development and enhances maintainability. Furthermore, inheritance can allow for the customization of inherited methods in the subclass, which can be achieved through method overriding.

The other concepts mentioned play distinct roles in object-oriented programming but do not pertain directly to the ability of one class to inherit properties from another. Abstraction focuses on simplifying complex systems by modeling classes based on the essential characteristics rather than their implementations. Encapsulation involves bundling the data and methods that operate on the data within a single unit or class and restricting access to the internal state. Polymorphism enables objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass, allowing for flexible method behavior.

In summary, inheritance is the correct answer as it specifically defines the relationship that enables one class to inherit properties from another, establishing a clear parent-child relationship within the class