What are the implications of operator overloading in C++?

What are the implications of operator overloading in C++?

Operator overloading in C++ allows developers to define custom behavior for operators, enhancing code readability and usability.

Can you give me an example of operator overloading?

Sure! For instance, you can overload the '+' operator to add two objects of a custom class, like this:

class Complex {
public:
    double real, imag;
    Complex operator+(const Complex& other) {
        return Complex{real + other.real, imag + other.imag};
    }
};

Are there any downsides to using operator overloading?

Yes, overusing operator overloading can lead to code that is hard to understand and maintain, especially if the operations are not intuitive.

How can I decide when to use operator overloading?

Use operator overloading when it makes your code clearer and more intuitive, but avoid it if it complicates understanding.