Course Content

C++ OOP

1. Fundamentals of OOP

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming 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 Copy Constructors Constructors and Destructors Practice

3. Encapsulation Overview

Introduction to Encapsulation Access Modifiers Keywords Access Modifiers Practice Accessor and Mutator Methods Access and Mutator Practice 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 Summary and Overview

C++ OOP

Introduction to Polymorphism

Polymorphism stands as a pivotal concept. It is derived from Greek words meaning "many shapes" and it allows objects of different classes to be treated as object of a common superclass. The most significant aspect is the ability of different entities to respond in their own way to the same message or method call.

Types of Polymorphism

There are two main types of polymorphism: compile-time (static) and runtime (dynamic). Understanding the nuances and applications of each type of polymorphism is crucial for writing robust and adaptable code.

Compile-Time Polymorphism: This is achieved using function overloading and operator overloading, where the function to be executed is determined during compilation.
Runtime Polymorphism: This is mainly achieved through the use of virtual functions, enabling a function to be overridden in derived classes and its behavior to be determined at runtime.

Note
In this course, we will dive deeply into runtime polymorphism, as it represents one of the fundamental paradigms of object-oriented programming. Additionally, we will touch upon compile-time polymorphism within the context of classes.

Application and need for polymorphism

An excellent way to understand polymorphism is through a real-world analogy. Consider a graphic user interface with a button. This button can be used in different contexts: as a upload button, a reset button, or a cancel button.

Each button executes a distinct action upon being clicked, but all of them are essentially serve as buttons. Look the theoretical implementation of this concept.

UploadButton.h

ResetButton.h

CancelButton.h

Considering that all buttons share the same onClick() method with varying implementations, let's dive deeper. What if we require a function that accepts an object belonging to one of the button classes as a parameter?

main.cpp

As you can see manually creating separate functions for each button can create complexity, especially during modifications, as each function must be edited individually if issues arise. Also, in the main function, additional checks will be necessary to determine which function to call.

If only there were an easy way to fix these issues... Fortunately, there is! Polymorphism allows for easy resolution of these problems.

1. What is the literal meaning of the term polymorphism?

2. Which type of polymorphism is determined during runtime?

What is the literal meaning of the term polymorphism?

Select the correct answer

Which type of polymorphism is determined during runtime?

Select the correct answer

Everything was clear?

Section 5. Chapter 1