Course Content

C++ OOP

1. Fundamentals of OOP in C++

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming in C++Why use Object-Oriented Programming?Class Creation Syntax Attributes of the Class Methods of the Class Static Members of The Class The This Keyword Classes and Objects Overview

2. Constructors and Destructors

What is a Constructor of the Class Constructor and Attributes Constructor Initialization List Initialization List Practice Constructor Delegation Constructor Delegation Practice What is a Destructor of the Class Constructors and Destructors Practice

3. Encapsulation Overview

Introduction to Encapsulation Access Modifiers Keywords Access Modifiers Practice Accessor and Mutator Methods Segmentation and Aggregation The Friend Keyword

4. Inheritance Overview

Introduction to Inheritance Access Modifiers in Inheritance Mulptiple Inheritance Constructor and Destructor in Inheritance Diamond Inheritance The Final Keyword

5. Polymorphism Overview

Introduction to Polymorphism Virtual and Override Keywords Pure Virtual Method Operator Overloading

Mulptiple Inheritance

Multiple inheritance allows a derived class to inherit from multiple base classes. This means that a single derived class can have access to the members (data and functions) of multiple base classes, effectively combining their attributes and behaviors.

Horizontal Multiple Inheritance

In this type of multiple inheritance, a class inherits properties and methods from multiple superclasses at the same level in the inheritance hierarchy. Consider classes: Shape and Color, each with distinct properties and methods. The Shape defines the shape of an object, and the Color defines its color.

Shape.h

Color.h


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class Shape {
public:
    void setShape(const std::string& value) { shape = value; }
    std::string getShape() { return shape; }
private:
    std::string shape;
};

Now, let's create a subclass called ColoredShape that inherits properties and methods from both Shape and Color classes.

ColoredShape.h


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#include "Shape.h"
#include "Color.h"

class ColoredShape : public Shape, public Color {
public:
    void describe() {
        std::cout << "This object is a " << getShape() << " shape and is " << getColor() << '\n';
    }
};

Vertical Inheritance

In depth inheritance, a class inherits properties and methods from its direct parent and its ancestors, forming an inheritance chain. For instance, consider the class Vehicle, which can serve as a basis for inheriting for Car, Truck, and others. In our example, we will utilize the Car to illustrate the concept.

Vehicle.h

Car.h


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class Vehicle {
public:
    void start() { std::cout << "Vehicle started"; }
    void stop() { std::cout << "Vehicle stopped"; }
};

Now, to achieve vertical inheritance, you have to set up a hierarchy where one class inherits from another, and then a subsequent class inherits from the first one, and so on. We can create an ElectricCar that inherits all properties and functionalities from the Car, which itself inherits from the Vehicle, establishing a complex multiple inheritance structure.

ElectricCar.h


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#include "Car.h"

class ElectricCar : public Car {
public:
    void charge() { std::cout << "Electric car is charging"; }
};

Why Multiple Inheritance is Needed

Multiple inheritance provides flexibility and code reuse in situations where a class needs to exhibit behaviors or characteristics of more than one parent class. Here are some scenarios where multiple inheritance is beneficial:

Real-world roles: a flying bird can combine features from both Flying and Bird classes, representing both abilities. The Flying class can also apply to planes or other flying objects.
Code reuse: multiple inheritance lets a class reuse features from different base classes without duplication.
Focused interfaces: encourages combining small, specific interfaces instead of using one large, general one.

Note

Split a complex object into simpler ones and utilize multiple inheritance to create flexible and maintainable software.

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