What are the differences between encapsulation and inheritance in C++ and Java?

What are the differences between encapsulation and inheritance in C++ and Java?

Encapsulation is the bundling of data and methods that operate on that data, while inheritance allows a class to inherit properties and methods from another class. In C++, encapsulation is achieved using classes and access specifiers, while inheritance can be single or multiple. In Java, encapsulation is also done through classes, but it only supports single inheritance.

Can you give me examples of encapsulation in both languages?

Sure! In C++, you might have a class like this:

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

In Java, it would look like this:

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

What about inheritance? Can you show me examples?

Absolutely! In C++, you might have:

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

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

In Java, it would be:

class Vehicle {
    void start() { /*...*/ }
}

class Car extends Vehicle {
    void honk() { /*...*/ }
}

Which one is better to use in a project?

It depends on the design requirements. Use encapsulation to protect data and ensure integrity, while inheritance is useful for code reuse and establishing a hierarchy. Often, a combination of both is the best approach.