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Virtual Function OOP CPP

A virtual function in C++ is a member function in the base class that is expected to be overridden in derived classes, declared with the keyword 'virtual'. It enables runtime polymorphism, allowing the correct function to be called based on the object type, regardless of the reference or pointer used. The document includes an example demonstrating how virtual functions work with a base class pointer pointing to derived class objects, showcasing the advantages of polymorphism and code flexibility.

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11 views3 pages

Virtual Function OOP CPP

A virtual function in C++ is a member function in the base class that is expected to be overridden in derived classes, declared with the keyword 'virtual'. It enables runtime polymorphism, allowing the correct function to be called based on the object type, regardless of the reference or pointer used. The document includes an example demonstrating how virtual functions work with a base class pointer pointing to derived class objects, showcasing the advantages of polymorphism and code flexibility.

Uploaded by

veeresh87925
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Virtual Function in OOP - Explanation (10 Marks)

Definition:

A virtual function in C++ is a member function in the base class that you expect to override in

derived classes.

It is declared using the keyword 'virtual'. The main purpose is to achieve runtime polymorphism,

allowing the

correct function to be called for an object, regardless of the type of reference (or pointer) used.

Key Features:

- Declared using the keyword virtual in the base class.

- Supports dynamic (runtime) binding instead of static (compile-time) binding.

- Enables function overriding in derived classes.

- Can only be accessed via a pointer or reference to the base class.

- Used for polymorphic behavior.

Syntax:

class Base {

public:

virtual void display(); // Virtual function

};

Program Example:

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

class Animal {
public:

virtual void sound() {

cout << "Animal makes a sound" << endl;

};

class Dog : public Animal {

public:

void sound() override {

cout << "Dog barks" << endl;

};

class Cat : public Animal {

public:

void sound() override {

cout << "Cat meows" << endl;

};

int main() {

Animal* animal;

Dog d;

Cat c;

animal = &d;
animal->sound(); // Calls Dog's sound()

animal = &c;

animal->sound(); // Calls Cat's sound()

return 0;

Output:

Dog barks

Cat meows

Explanation of Program:

- A virtual function 'sound()' is declared in the base class Animal.

- It is overridden in the derived classes Dog and Cat.

- A base class pointer 'animal' is used to point to objects of Dog and Cat.

- Due to virtual function and dynamic binding, the correct function is called at runtime.

Advantages:

- Supports polymorphism.

- Improves code reusability and flexibility.

- Allows function overriding to work correctly with base class pointers.

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