Which analogy is used to explain polymorphism to a non-technical audience?

• A. A universal remote that can control multiple devices
• B. A key that opens multiple doors
• C. A calculator that can compute different equations
• D. A password that grants varied access

Answer: (A)

Polymorphism means using the same operation or interface to work with different kinds of objects, each providing its own behavior. The universal remote is the clearest match because you have one set of controls that can operate multiple devices. When you press a button, each device responds in its own way, even though you’re using the same remote interface. You don’t need to learn a new control scheme for every device—one interface, many implementations.

The other analogies are less precise for this idea. A key that opens multiple doors points to a single object interacting with different targets, but it doesn’t illustrate a single operation applied across different object types with distinct behaviors. A calculator that can compute different equations shows versatility, not how one interface handles different underlying object types. A password that grants varied access focuses on authentication, not on objects offering multiple behaviors through a common interface.