What is the difference between encapsulation and abstraction in C++?

What is the difference between encapsulation and abstraction in C++?

Encapsulation is the bundling of data and methods that operate on that data within a single unit, like a class. Abstraction, on the other hand, is the concept of hiding complex implementation details and showing only the essential features of an object.

Can you give me an example of encapsulation in C++?

Sure! In C++, encapsulation can be demonstrated using a class. For example:

class BankAccount {
private:
    double balance;
public:
    void deposit(double amount) {
        balance += amount;
    }
    double getBalance() {
        return balance;
    }
};

Here, the balance variable is private, and can only be accessed through public methods.

What about abstraction? Can you show me an example?

Absolutely! An example of abstraction in C++ is using abstract classes and pure virtual functions. For instance:

class Shape {
public:
    virtual void draw() = 0; // pure virtual function
};

class Circle : public Shape {
public:
    void draw() override {
        // Implementation for drawing a circle
    }
};

Here, Shape is an abstract class that defines a draw method without implementing it, allowing derived classes like Circle to provide specific implementations.

How do encapsulation and abstraction work together in C++?

Encapsulation and abstraction work together by allowing you to hide the internal state of an object (encapsulation) while exposing only the necessary parts of the object to the user (abstraction). This leads to a cleaner and more manageable code structure.