Classes and Objects in C++

In C++, classes and objects are the foundation of object-oriented programming. They help you model real-world entities by bundling data and behavior together.

A class is a blueprint or template for creating objects. It defines data members member functions.

An object is an instance of a class. It has actual values and can perform actions defined by the class.

Operator overloading in C++ lets you redefine how operators behave for user-defined types like classes and structs. It’s a powerful feature that makes your custom types feel more natural to use—like built-in types.

- To make code involving custom types more intuitive.

- To enable operations like +, -, ==, etc., on objects of your class.

Operator overloading is the process of giving special meaning to an existing operator (like +, -, ==, etc.) when used with objects of a class. For example, if you have a Complex class, you can define how + works between two Complex objects.

Inheritance and polymorphism are the keys to writing flexible, reusable, and scalable code.

Inheritance allows a class (called a derived class) to inherit properties and behaviors from another class (called a base class). It promotes code reuse and establishes a hierarchical relationship.

Polymorphism: One Interface, Many Forms

Polymorphism means “many forms.” It allows you to use a single interface to represent different underlying forms (data types or behaviors).

Inheritance gives you structure. Polymorphism gives you flexibility.

Encapsulation is one of the pillars of object-oriented programming in C++, and it’s all about bundling data and the methods that operate on that data into a single unit—usually a class. Think of it like putting valuables in a safe: you control who gets access and how.

Constructors and destructors are the backbone of object lifecycle management in C++.

A constructor is a special member function that’s automatically called when an object is created. Its job? Initialize the object.

A destructor is called automatically when an object goes out of scope or is deleted. It’s used to release resources like memory or file handles.

A memory leak in C++ happens when your program allocates memory on the heap but fails to release it after it's no longer needed. This leftover memory remains occupied, even though your program can't use it anymore—leading to wasted resources and potentially serious performance issues over time.

In C++, a parameter is a variable used in a function definition to accept values passed during a function call. These values are called arguments. Parameters allow functions to operate on different data without rewriting the function itself.

// C++ example

void greet(std::string name) {  // 'name' is a parameter

    std::cout << "Hello, " << name << "!\n";

}

greet("Alice");  // "Alice" is the argument

In C++, stack and heap are two distinct areas of memory used for different purposes, and understanding them is key to writing efficient and safe code

int* ptr = new int(10);  // Allocated on the heap

delete ptr;              // Must be manually freed

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