What are the best practices for using virtual functions in C++?

What are the best practices for using virtual functions in C++?

When using virtual functions in C++, it's important to follow these best practices: 1. Use virtual destructors to ensure proper cleanup. 2. Prefer composition over inheritance when possible. 3. Keep the interface clean and minimal. 4. Avoid using virtual functions in constructors and destructors.

Why should I use virtual destructors?

Virtual destructors ensure that the derived class's destructor is called when an object is deleted through a base class pointer, preventing resource leaks.

Can you give an example of a clean interface?

Sure! A clean interface should expose only the necessary methods for the derived classes. For instance, if you have a base class Shape, it might only declare a pure virtual function draw(), allowing derived classes like Circle and Square to implement their own versions.

What are the downsides of using virtual functions?

Some downsides include potential performance overhead due to dynamic dispatch and increased complexity in the class hierarchy, which can make the code harder to understand.