C++ FAQs, Second Edition

Chapter 29. Mixing Overloading with Inheritance

FAQ 29.01 What is the difference between overloaded functions and overridden functions?

Overloading has the same scope, same name, different signatures, and virtual is not required. Overriding has different scopes, same name, same signatures, and virtual is required.

The term signature designates the combination of a function's name, the types and order of its parameters, and, if the function is a nonstatic member function, its const and/or volatile qualifiers.

Overloading occurs when two or more functions are in the same scope (for example, both in the same class or both at namespace scope) and have the same name but different signatures. Overriding occurs when a class and one of its derived ...