What are virtual destructors in C++?

What are virtual destructors in C++?

Virtual destructors are used in C++ to ensure that the destructor of the derived class is called when an object is deleted through a base class pointer.

Why do I need a virtual destructor?

You need a virtual destructor to prevent resource leaks and undefined behavior when deleting derived class objects through base class pointers.

Can you give me an example of how to use a virtual destructor?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class Base {
public:
    virtual ~Base() { }
};

class Derived : public Base {
public:
    ~Derived() { }
};

Base* obj = new Derived();
delete obj; // Calls Derived's destructor followed by Base's destructor