What is the difference between using composition and inheritance in Python when designing classes?

Inheritance and composition are two main ways of organizing relationships between classes in Python.

Inheritance means that one class (subclass) extends or overrides the behavior of another (superclass). This is an "is-a" relationship. For example, the Cat class inherits from Animal.

class Animal:
    def speak(self):
        print("Some sound")

class Cat(Animal):
    def speak(self):
        print("Meow")

Composition is when one class contains instances of other classes and uses their functionality. This is a "has-a" relationship.

class Engine:
    def start(self):
        print("Engine started")

class Car:
    def __init__(self):
        self.engine = Engine()
    def start(self):
        self.engine.start()

Differences:

• Inheritance creates a tight hierarchy, while composition is more flexible.
• Composition promotes loose coupling and better modularity.
• Inheritance is convenient when the subclass is a type of the superclass.

The choice depends on the task: use inheritance if an "is-a" relationship is needed, and composition if a "has-a" relationship.