I'm pulling player data from an API into a Player class, which has a Name field that can change. I want to create an Alias member to store all previous Names. My intention is to keep the Player class as a definitive source of the most recent API data while separating any custom logic or calculations into a related object. I've been considering whether to create my own class derived from Player or to use composition instead. I've read that inheritance can lead to design issues and composition might be better—so what's the best way to structure this? Should I use inheritance for my Player class or look at other options?
4 Answers
It's all about context! If your Player class is essentially a data structure that doesn't have behavior, it may not need to be a subclass. Simply include the API data as a member of a new class and keep your aliases separate—that way, you avoid the tight coupling that inheritance can bring.
I lean towards composition for most scenarios. Instead of subclassing Player, consider having a separate object that holds the current player info along with the name history. This approach often leads to better flexibility and easier maintenance in the long run.
You're spot on with the separation of concerns! If you expect your logic to grow over time, sticking with composition helps manage complexity better. Keep your API model intact and build around it instead of trying to force it into a subclass. That's how you maintain clarity in your code.
Totally understand where you're coming from! While many advocate for composition, inheritance isn't always the enemy. It boils down to your use case. If the extra functionality fits smoothly as an extension of Player, go for it! Just ensure that your new class maintains what's necessary from Player while adding on the features you need.
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