How does multiple inheritance work in Python?
Jul 18, 2025 am 02:49 AMPython supports multiple inheritance, allowing subclasses to inherit methods and attributes from multiple parent classes. When multiple parent classes exist, Python determines which parent class method to call through MRO (method parsing order); MRO follows C3 linearization rules and can be viewed through .mro(). For example, the MRO of class C(A, B) is [C, A, B], calling C().do_it() will execute the method in A. If you need to run the methods A and B at the same time, you can call them explicitly. Multi-inheritance is suitable for combining different behaviors. The common pattern is to use the mixin class to achieve specific functional extensions. For example, LoggerMixin adds logging function, DatabaseSaver implements data storage, and UserManager inherits the two to reuse functions. But pay attention to name conflict issues: 1. Keep the parent class responsibilities single and does not overlap; 2. explicitly call the specified method if necessary; 3. Avoid unnecessary overwrites; 4. Understand the MRO mechanism and do not blindly rely on default behavior. Rational use of multiple inheritance can improve code flexibility and modularity, but potential conflicts need to be handled with caution.
Multiple inheritance in Python lets a class inherit from more than one parent class. This means the child class can use methods and properties from all its parent classes, which is pretty handy when you want to combine behaviors from different sources.

How Python Resolves Method Calls (MRO)
When a method is called on a class with multiple parents, Python uses something called Method Resolution Order (MRO) to figure out which version of the method to run.
The MRO follows a rule known as C3 linearization , which gives a consistent order for searching base classes. You can check this order using the .mro()
method or help()
on a class.

For example:
class A: def do_it(self): print("A") class B: def do_it(self): print("B") class C(A, B): pass print(C.mro()) # Output: [<class 'C'>, <class 'A'>, <class 'B'>, <class 'object'>]
So when you call C().do_it()
, it will run the version from class A
because that's what comes first in the MRO.

If you want both versions to run, you can explicitly call them like A.do_it(self)
and B.do_it(self)
inside C
.
Practical Use Cases for Multiple Inheritance
Multiple inheritance shines when you want to mix in reusable pieces of behavior without deep hierarchies.
One common pattern is using mixins — small classes that add specific functionality without being full-blown base classes.
Here's an example:
class LoggerMixin: def log(self, message): print(f"Log: {message}") class DatabaseSaver: def save(self, data): print(f"Saving: {data}") class UserManager(LoggerMixin, DatabaseSaver): def add_user(self, user): self.log("Adding user") self.save(user)
In this case:
-
UserManager
gets logging and saving behavior - Each parent does just one thing
- The code stays clean and focused
This makes your classes easier to test and reuse.
Watch Out for Name Conflicts
If two parent classes define the same method or attribute name, things can get confusing fast.
Here are some tips to avoid problems:
- Keep your parent classes focused and non-overlapping where possible
- Use explicit calls (
ParentClass.method(self)
) if you need a specific version - Avoid overriding unless necessary
- Document how conflicts should be resolved
Also, don't rely too much on the default MRO behavior without understanding it — especially when working with large frameworks or complex class trees.
Final Thoughts
Python's support for multiple inheritance is powerful but needs careful handling. Used wisely — especially with mixins — it helps build flexible and modular code.
It's not always needed, but when it fits, it can save you from messy workarounds.
That's basically how it works.
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