What is variance in C++?

What is variance in C++?

Variance in C++ refers to the ability of a type to be substituted with its derived types. It helps in understanding how types relate to each other in inheritance.

Can you explain the difference between covariance and contravariance?

Sure! Covariance allows a derived type to be used in place of a base type, while contravariance allows a base type to be used in place of a derived type. This is often seen in function parameters and return types.

How does variance affect function overriding?

Variance plays a crucial role in function overriding. When overriding a method, the return type can be covariant, meaning you can return a derived type instead of the base type.

Are there any practical examples of using variance in C++?

Yes! A common example is using polymorphism with base class pointers that point to derived class objects, allowing for flexible and reusable code.