What is the difference between a class and a struct in programming?

What is the difference between a class and a struct in programming?

In programming, particularly in languages like C++ and C#, a class is a blueprint for creating objects that can encapsulate data and functions, while a struct is a simpler data structure that typically holds data without complex behaviors.

Can you give me an example of when to use a class instead of a struct?

Sure! Use a class when you need to implement encapsulation, inheritance, or polymorphism. For instance, if you're creating a game character with behaviors and properties, a class would be more appropriate.

Are there any performance differences between using a class and a struct?

Yes, structs are generally more lightweight and can be more efficient for small data structures, while classes can introduce overhead due to features like inheritance and dynamic memory allocation.

What about access modifiers? How do they differ?

In C++, members of a struct are public by default, while members of a class are private by default. This affects how you can access the data.