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

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

Encapsulation is the bundling of data and methods that operate on that data within a single unit, like a class. Inheritance, on the other hand, allows a class to inherit properties and behaviors from another class, promoting code reuse.

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

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class Car {
private:
    int speed;
public:
    void setSpeed(int s) { speed = s; }
    int getSpeed() { return speed; }
};

In this example, the speed variable is encapsulated within the Car class.

And what about inheritance? Can you show me that too?

Absolutely! Here's an example of inheritance:

class Vehicle {
public:
    void start() { /* start the vehicle */ }
};

class Car : public Vehicle {
public:
    void honk() { /* honk the horn */ }
};

In this case, Car inherits from Vehicle, gaining its methods.

When should I use encapsulation over inheritance?

Use encapsulation when you want to protect the internal state of an object and expose only necessary methods. Use inheritance when you want to create a new class based on an existing class, sharing common functionality.