Difference Between Overloading and Overriding in C++
Introduction
In object-oriented programming, polymorphism is a key concept. A key idea in object-oriented programming is that it enables objects to take on several shapes. In C++, function overloading and function overriding are two different types of polymorphism. Both of these ideas are crucial to programming and are used to make code more functional.
Function Overloading
Function overloading is the writing of many functions with the same name but different parameters. When a function has many versions, the compiler determines which version to call based on the number and kind of arguments passed to the function.
Consider the following line of code, for example:
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
void display(int a)
{
cout<< "The value of a is: " << a <<endl;
}
void display(int a, int b)
{
cout<< "The value of a is: " << a <<endl;
cout<< "The value of b is: " << b <<endl;
}
int main()
{
display(5);
display(10, 20);
return 0;
}
Output:
The value of a is: 5
The value of a is: 10
The value of b is: 20
We defined two functions with the same name, display, in this code. Whereas the second function requires two integer arguments, the first function just requires one integer argument. The first version of the display function will be called when the display function is called with a single integer parameter, and the second version of the display function will be called when the display function is called with two integer arguments. A case of function overloading is this.
Function Overriding
The process of adding a new function with the same name and signature as one in the base class to a derived class is known as "function overriding." The new function in the derived class will replace the function in the base class when the object of the derived class is generated.Runtime polymorphism in C++ is implemented through function overriding.
For example, consider the following code:
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
class Shape {
public:
void area() {
cout<<"Parent class area"<<endl;
}
};
class Rectangle: public Shape {
public:
void area() {
cout<<"Rectangle class area"<<endl;
}
};
int main() {
Shape *shape;
Rectangle rec;
shape = &rec;
shape->area();
return 0;
}
Output:
Parent class area
The basic class Shape in this code has a function called area. Also, we have a derived class called Rectangle that replaces the area function and derives from the Shape class. The area function in the derived class Rectangle is called when we construct an object of the Rectangle class, assign it to a pointer of the base class Shape, and then use that pointer to call the area function. This is a case of a function being overridden.
Difference between Function Overloading and Function Overriding
Although function overloading and function overriding are both polymorphism principles in C++, they differ significantly from one another.
Comparison Index | Function Overloading | Function Overriding |
Definition: | Function overloading is the process of writing many functions with the same name but different parameters. | The process of adding a new function with the same name and signature as one in the base class to a derived class is known as "function overriding." |
Scope: | Only one class may use function overloading. | Two classes are involved in function overriding: the base class and the derived class. |
Inheritance: | Function overloading is not related to inheritance. | Function overriding requires inheritance. |
Return Type: | The return types for functions that are overloaded can be the same or different. | A function that is being overridden must have the same return type as the original function. |
Virtual Keyword: | The virtual keyword must be used in the base class function declaration if the function is to be overridden. | To replace the base class function, the derived class function must also be specified with the virtual keyword. |
Function Signature: | The quantity and nature of the arguments given to the function determine function overloading. | For function overriding, the function signature, which contains the function name, return type, and parameters, is the foundation. |
Dynamic Polymorphism: | Function overloading does not require dynamic polymorphism because the function to be called is chosen at compile time. | Function overriding is used to implement dynamic polymorphism, which means that the function to be called is decided upon at runtime. |
Accessibility: | Access levels for function overloading can be public, private, or protected. | In the derived class, function overriding must have the same or higher access level as the function being overridden in the base class. |
Scope Resolution Operator: | The scope resolution operator:: can be used to address function overloading. | The scope resolution operator is not used in function overriding. |
Conclusion
Overloading and overriding functions are fundamental concepts in C++ programming. They both provide ways to improve the functionality and flexibility of code. Function overloading is used to create multiple functions with the same name but different parameters. The process of adding a new function with the same name and signature as one in the base class to a derived class is known as "function overriding." C++ programmers who want to use polymorphism effectively must comprehend the distinctions between function overloading and function overriding.