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

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

In programming, particularly in languages like C++ and C#, a struct is typically used for lightweight data structures, while a class is used for more complex objects. Structs are value types and classes are reference types.

Can you explain what that means in terms of memory allocation?

Sure! Structs are allocated on the stack, which means they have a faster allocation and deallocation process. Classes, on the other hand, are allocated on the heap, which allows for more complex memory management but can be slower.

Are there any other differences I should know about?

Yes! Classes support inheritance and polymorphism, while structs do not. Additionally, members of a struct are public by default, whereas members of a class are private by default.

When should I use a struct instead of a class?

You should use a struct when you need a simple data structure that doesn't require inheritance or complex behavior. It's ideal for small data types.