How do exceptions work with inheritance in C++?

How do exceptions work with inheritance in C++?

In C++, exceptions can be derived from base exception classes. When you throw an exception, the catch block can catch the base class, allowing for polymorphic behavior.

Can you give me an example of this in code?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class BaseException {
public:
    virtual const char* what() const noexcept { return "Base Exception"; }
};

class DerivedException : public BaseException {
public:
    const char* what() const noexcept override { return "Derived Exception"; }
};

void test() {
    throw DerivedException();
}

int main() {
    try {
        test();
    } catch (BaseException& e) {
        std::cout << e.what() << std::endl;
    }
}

What happens if I catch the derived exception instead?

If you catch the derived exception specifically, it will handle that exception type directly. This allows for more specific error handling.

Is it a good practice to catch base exceptions?

Yes, catching base exceptions can be useful for handling a group of related exceptions, but it should be done carefully to avoid masking errors.