Final Answer:
In object-oriented programming (OOP), the feature that derives a class from another class is called inheritance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inheritance is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming that allows a new class, known as the subclass or derived class, to inherit attributes and behaviors from an existing class, referred to as the superclass or base class. This relationship establishes an "is-a" connection between the two classes, indicating that the subclass is a specialized version of the superclass. The subclass inherits the properties and methods of the superclass, enabling code reuse, modularity, and the creation of a hierarchical structure in the code.
Through inheritance, the derived class not only inherits the attributes and behaviors of the base class but can also extend or override them to tailor its functionality. This promotes a more efficient and organized codebase, as common features are centralized in the base class, avoiding redundancy and facilitating maintenance. Inheritance enhances the flexibility and scalability of code by allowing developers to create specialized classes without starting from scratch, promoting a more modular and manageable approach to software design.
In summary, inheritance in OOP is a powerful mechanism that facilitates code organization, reuse, and extensibility. By deriving a class from another class, developers can build upon existing code, fostering a more efficient and maintainable software development process.