Which programming technique allows a function to be defined in multiple ways?

Polymorphism is a programming concept that enables functions or methods to be defined in multiple ways, allowing them to operate on different data types or parameters. This capability is particularly useful in object-oriented programming, where a single interface can be implemented by multiple classes, each providing its own specific behavior for the same method. This means that a single function call can behave differently based on the context, such as the object it is acting upon.

For instance, in a graphics application, a method called "draw" might be implemented in various shapes like circles, squares, or triangles, each providing its own implementation of how to render itself. This flexibility also allows for cleaner and more maintainable code, as changes to specific implementations can be made without altering the overall interface.

Encapsulation focuses on bundling data and methods that operate on that data within a single unit, but it doesn’t inherently deal with defining functions in multiple ways. Inheritance allows new classes to inherit properties and behaviors from existing classes, but it doesn't directly equate to defining a function multiple times. Overloading is related but refers specifically to defining multiple versions of a function within the same scope, typically differentiated by their parameters. While overloading is a form of polymorphism, it is a narrower concept