C++ Language Reference |
Virtual Functions |
See Also |
A virtual function is a member function that you expect to be redefined in derived classes. When you refer to a derived class object using a pointer or a reference to the base class, you can call a virtual function for that object and execute the derived class's version of the function.
Virtual functions ensure that the correct function is called for an object, regardless of the expression used to make the function call.
Suppose a base class contains a function declared as virtual and a derived class defines the same function. The function from the derived class is invoked for objects of the derived class, even if it is called using a pointer or reference to the base class. The following example shows a base class that provides an implementation of the PrintBalance
function and two derived classes
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// deriv_VirtualFunctions.cpp |
In the preceding code, the calls to PrintBalance
are identical, except for the object pAccount
points to. Because PrintBalance
is virtual, the version of the function defined for each object is called. The PrintBalance
function in the derived classes CheckingAccount
and SavingsAccount
"override" the function in the base class Account
.
If a class is declared that does not provide an overriding implementation of the PrintBalance
function, the default implementation from the base class Account
is used.
Functions in derived classes override virtual functions in base classes only if their type is the same. A function in a derived class cannot differ from a virtual function in a base class in its return type only; the argument list must differ as well.
When calling a function using pointers or references, the following rules apply:
-
A call to a virtual function is resolved according to the underlying type of object for which it is called.
-
A call to a nonvirtual function is resolved according to the type of the pointer or reference.
The following example shows how virtual and nonvirtual functions behave when called through pointers:
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// deriv_VirtualFunctions2.cpp |
Output
Derived::NameOf |
Note that regardless of whether the NameOf
function is invoked through a pointer to Base
or a pointer to Derived
, it calls the function for Derived
. It calls the function for Derived
because NameOf
is a virtual function, and both pBase
and pDerived
point to an object of type Derived
.
Because virtual functions are called only for objects of class types, you cannot declare global or static functions as virtual.
The virtual keyword can be used when declaring overriding functions in a derived class, but it is unnecessary; overrides of virtual functions are always virtual.
Virtual functions in a base class must be defined unless they are declared using the pure-specifier. (For more information about pure virtual functions, see Abstract Classes.)
The virtual function-call mechanism can be suppressed by explicitly qualifying the function name using the scope-resolution operator (::). Consider the earlier example involving the Account
class. To call PrintBalance
in the base class, use code such as the following:
CheckingAccount *pChecking = new CheckingAccount( 100.00 ); |
Both calls to PrintBalance
in the preceding example suppress the virtual function-call mechanism.