C++ Polymorphism

C++ Polymorphism

  1. Definition Polymorphism is one of the core concepts in object-oriented programming that allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass. It enables a single interface to represent general behavior that can be implemented by multiple classes.

  2. Types of Polymorphism

  3. Compile-time (Static) Polymorphism: Achieved through function overloading and operator overloading.

  4. Run-time (Dynamic) Polymorphism: Achieved through function overriding and virtual functions.

  5. Function Overloading Function overloading allows the creation of multiple functions with the same name but different parameter lists. The compiler selects the appropriate function to call based on the number and types of arguments provided.

  6. Operator Overloading Operator overloading allows operators to be redefined so they can be used with user-defined data types.

  7. Function Overriding Function overriding occurs when a derived class provides a specific implementation of a method that is already defined in its base class. It is used to achieve run-time polymorphism.

  8. Virtual Functions Virtual functions are declared using the virtual keyword in the base class and are overridden in the derived classes. They enable dynamic binding and late binding, allowing the correct function to be called at runtime based on the actual object type.

  9. Example ```cpp class Shape { public: virtual void draw() { cout << "Drawing a shape" << endl; } };

class Circle : public Shape { public: void draw() override { cout << "Drawing a circle" << endl; } };

void displayDrawing(Shape* s) { s->draw(); }

int main() { Shape shape1 = new Shape(); Shape shape2 = new Circle(); displayDrawing(shape1); displayDrawing(shape2); return 0; } `` In this example, thedisplayDrawingfunction demonstrates dynamic binding, where the correctdraw` method is called based on the actual type of the object passed.

  1. Benefits Polymorphism enhances code reusability, promotes flexibility, and supports the creation of extensible and maintainable code. It also enables the use of a common interface for different classes, leading to more modular and organized code.