Assigning an object of a derived class to a variable of a base class is called: Group of answer choicesstatic bindingdynamic bindingupcastingdowncasting

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the terms associated with object-oriented programming.
2. Understand the relationship between derived classes and base classes.
3. Analyze the options provided to determine the correct term.

Relevant Concepts

• Static Binding: Refers to compile-time binding, often done for static methods and variables.
• Dynamic Binding: Refers to run-time binding, typically associated with overridden methods.
• Upcasting: Refers to assigning a derived class object to a base class reference.
• Downcasting: Refers to assigning a base class reference back to a derived class.

Analysis and Detail

1. When assigning an object of a derived class to a base class variable, this process is known as upcasting because you are moving from a specific (derived) type to a more general (base) type. This is typically safe and does not require type casting since derived classes contain all the characteristics of their base classes.

2. Each of the other terms have distinct meanings:

   • Static Binding does not apply in this case, as it relates to the compile-time association of methods and variables.
   • Dynamic Binding is not correct here as it refers to method resolution during runtime.
   • Downcasting is the reverse process, where a base class reference is assigned to a derived class.

Verify and Summarize

Upon analyzing the definitions and determining the nature of the operation described, the correct term for assigning a derived class object to a base class variable is upcasting.

Final Answer

The correct answer is upcasting.