What are some common mistakes with virtual functions in C++?

What are some common mistakes with virtual functions in C++?

Some common mistakes include forgetting to declare a destructor as virtual, leading to resource leaks.

Can you explain why a virtual destructor is important?

A virtual destructor ensures that the derived class's destructor is called when an object is deleted through a base class pointer.

What happens if I don't use virtual functions in a base class?

If you don't use virtual functions, the derived class methods won't override the base class methods, leading to unexpected behavior.

Are there performance implications of using virtual functions?

Yes, virtual functions can introduce a slight overhead due to dynamic dispatch, but the impact is often negligible compared to the benefits.

How can I avoid common pitfalls when using virtual functions?

To avoid pitfalls, always use virtual destructors in base classes, and be cautious with object slicing.