What are the best practices for function overloading in C++?

What are the best practices for function overloading in C++?

Function overloading in C++ allows multiple functions to have the same name with different parameters. Best practices include ensuring clarity, maintaining consistency in parameter types, and avoiding ambiguity.

Can you give me an example of function overloading?

Sure! For instance, you can overload a function named add to handle both integers and doubles:

int add(int a, int b) {
    return a + b;
}

double add(double a, double b) {
    return a + b;
}

What should I avoid when overloading functions?

Avoid overloading functions with the same parameter types but different return types, as this can lead to ambiguity. Also, keep the function signatures clear to prevent confusion.

Are there any performance implications of function overloading?

Generally, function overloading does not have significant performance implications. However, excessive overloading can lead to longer compile times and potential runtime overhead due to ambiguity resolution.