Introduce common base class

If two or more classes have common data and behavior (i.e. methods) then those classes should each inherit from a common base class which captures those data and methods. --Riel's Heuristic 5.10, Arthur Riel 1996

Example

The two classes Dog and Bird have common data (weight) and behaviour (eat() and sleep()).

A new class called Animal is created that both Dog and Bird inherit.

See also

• Riel's heuristics