C++ Composition vs Inheritance

Can you explain the difference between composition and inheritance in C++?

Sure! In C++, inheritance allows a class to inherit properties and methods from another class, promoting code reuse. Composition, on the other hand, involves building classes using other classes as components, which can lead to more flexible designs.

When should I use composition instead of inheritance?

You should use composition when you want to create a more flexible and modular design. It allows you to change the behavior of a class at runtime by changing its components, while inheritance can lead to a rigid class hierarchy.

Can you give me an example of each?

Certainly! For inheritance, consider a base class Animal and derived classes like Dog and Cat. For composition, you might have a class Car that uses an Engine class as a component. This way, you can easily swap out different engine types.

What are the pros and cons of each approach?

Inheritance can simplify code and promote reuse, but it can also lead to tight coupling. Composition offers flexibility and better encapsulation, but it may require more boilerplate code to set up.