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Topics

C++ Basics

Introduction to C++C++ History and EvolutionC++ Environment SetupC++ First ProgramC++ SyntaxC++ CommentsC++ Data TypesC++ VariablesC++ ConstantsC++ KeywordsC++ OperatorsC++ Input/Output

C++ Control Structures

C++ If-Else StatementsC++ Switch StatementsC++ For LoopsC++ While LoopsC++ Do-While LoopsC++ Break and ContinueC++ Goto Statement

C++ Functions

C++ Function BasicsC++ Function ParametersC++ Function OverloadingC++ Inline FunctionsC++ RecursionC++ Default ArgumentsC++ Lambda Expressions

C++ Arrays and Strings

C++ ArraysC++ Multidimensional ArraysC++ C-style StringsC++ String ClassC++ String FunctionsC++ String Streams

C++ Pointers and References

C++ Pointers BasicsC++ Pointer ArithmeticC++ ReferencesC++ Pointers vs ReferencesC++ Dynamic Memory AllocationC++ Smart Pointers

C++ Object-Oriented Programming

C++ Classes and ObjectsC++ Constructors and DestructorsC++ Access SpecifiersC++ EncapsulationC++ InheritanceC++ PolymorphismC++ Virtual FunctionsC++ Abstract ClassesC++ Interfaces (Pure Virtual)C++ Friend Functions and Classes

C++ Templates

C++ Function TemplatesC++ Class TemplatesC++ Template SpecializationC++ Variadic Templates

C++ Exception Handling

C++ Try-Catch BlocksC++ Throwing ExceptionsC++ Custom ExceptionsC++ Exception Specifications

C++ File Handling

C++ File I/O StreamsC++ Reading from FilesC++ Writing to FilesC++ Binary File Operations

C++ Standard Template Library

C++ STL ContainersC++ STL AlgorithmsC++ STL IteratorsC++ STL Function Objects

C++ Advanced Topics

C++ NamespacesC++ Preprocessor DirectivesC++ Type CastingC++ MultithreadingC++ Regular ExpressionsC++ Move SemanticsC++ Rvalue References

C++ Memory Management

C++ Stack vs HeapC++ Memory LeaksC++ Garbage CollectionC++ Custom Allocators

C++ Best Practices

C++ Coding StandardsC++ Performance OptimizationC++ Debugging TechniquesC++ Unit Testing

C++ Inheritance

Inheritance is a cornerstone of object-oriented programming in C++. It allows a new class to be based on an existing class, inheriting its properties and behaviors. This powerful feature promotes code reuse and establishes a hierarchical relationship between classes.

Basic Syntax

To create a derived class in C++, use the following syntax:

class DerivedClass : access-specifier BaseClass {
    // Derived class members
};

The access-specifier can be public, protected, or private, determining how the base class members are inherited.

Types of Inheritance

C++ supports various types of inheritance:

  • Single inheritance: A class inherits from one base class
  • Multiple inheritance: A class inherits from multiple base classes
  • Multilevel inheritance: A class inherits from a derived class
  • Hierarchical inheritance: Multiple classes inherit from a single base class

Example: Single Inheritance

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

class Animal {
public:
    void eat() {
        cout << "I can eat!" << endl;
    }
};

class Dog : public Animal {
public:
    void bark() {
        cout << "I can bark! Woof woof!" << endl;
    }
};

int main() {
    Dog myDog;
    myDog.eat();  // Inherited from Animal
    myDog.bark(); // Dog's own method
    return 0;
}

In this example, Dog inherits from Animal, gaining access to the eat() method.

Access Specifiers in Inheritance

The access specifier used in inheritance affects how base class members are accessible in the derived class:

  • public: Public and protected members of the base class become public and protected members of the derived class, respectively
  • protected: Public and protected members of the base class become protected members of the derived class
  • private: Public and protected members of the base class become private members of the derived class

Function Overriding

Derived classes can override functions inherited from the base class to provide their own implementation. This is crucial for achieving C++ Polymorphism.

class Animal {
public:
    virtual void makeSound() {
        cout << "The animal makes a sound" << endl;
    }
};

class Cat : public Animal {
public:
    void makeSound() override {
        cout << "Meow!" << endl;
    }
};

The override keyword ensures that the function is indeed overriding a virtual function from the base class.

Best Practices

  • Use inheritance to model "is-a" relationships
  • Keep inheritance hierarchies shallow to maintain simplicity
  • Utilize C++ Virtual Functions for proper polymorphic behavior
  • Consider composition over inheritance when appropriate
  • Use protected members in base classes to allow derived classes access while maintaining encapsulation

Conclusion

Inheritance is a powerful feature in C++ that promotes code reuse and establishes relationships between classes. By understanding its principles and best practices, you can create more efficient and organized code structures. As you delve deeper into C++ programming, explore related concepts like C++ Polymorphism and C++ Abstract Classes to fully leverage the power of object-oriented programming.