Inheritance in C++

October 27, 2021

Inheritance in C++

Inheritance in C++ is basically the ability for a class to be able to derive its properties from a different class. It is the most important feature of object oriented programming and allows –

High code re-use
Lesser time to code
Easier to maintain application and edit codes
Re-use pre-defined properties and data

Benefits of Inheritance

This helps in reduce cost for projects
Saves time in coding
Decreases complexity of the program
Increases reliability

Different Modes of Inheritance in C++

There are three different ways in which we can define relationship between base and derived class while defining inheritance –

Public mode:
1. Public members of base class become public in derived class
2. Protected members of base class become Protected in derived class
3. Private members are inaccessible in derived class
Protected mode:
1. Public members of base class become protected in derived class
2. Protected members of base class become Protected in derived class
3. Private members are inaccessible in derived class
Private mode:
1. Public members of base class become private in derived class
2. Protected members of base class become private in derived class
3. Private members are inaccessible in derived class

Syntax for Inheriting Declaration –

class NameOfDerivedClass : (Visibility mode) NameOfBaseClass{

// Data Members and functions
}

In terms of Parent and Child nomenclature –

class NameOfChildClass : (Visibility mode) NameOfParentClass{

// Data Members and functions
}

Example

The following example explains really well how inheritance really works and ways different members are accessible or not accessible –

class A {

public: 
int x;

protected: 
int y;

private:
int z; 
};

class B : public A { 
 // x stays public
 // y stays protected
 // z is not accessible from B 
};

class C : protected A {
 // x becomes protected
 // y stays protected
 // z is not accessible from C 
};

// 'private' is default for classes
class D : private A { 
 // x becomes private 
 // y becomes private 
 // z is not accessible from D 
};

Inheritance in C++

Inheritance in C++

Benefits of Inheritance

Different Modes of Inheritance in C++

Syntax for Inheriting Declaration –

Example

Types of inheritance in C++