What are the best practices for composition in C++?

What are the best practices for composition in C++?

Composition in C++ involves using objects of one class within another class. Best practices include: 1. Prefer composition over inheritance for code reuse. 2. Keep your classes focused and cohesive. 3. Use smart pointers to manage object lifetimes. 4. Ensure encapsulation by exposing only necessary interfaces.

Can you explain why composition is preferred over inheritance?

Composition is often preferred because it promotes flexibility and reduces tight coupling between classes. It allows for dynamic behavior changes at runtime and makes it easier to manage dependencies.

What are some examples of using composition in C++?

A common example is a Car class that contains an Engine class. Instead of inheriting from Engine, Car has an Engine object, allowing for different engine types without altering the Car class structure.

How do I manage object lifetimes in composition?

You can manage object lifetimes using smart pointers like std::shared_ptr or std::unique_ptr. This helps prevent memory leaks and ensures proper resource management.