Data Structures and Algorithms Using C++ by Pearson

2.44 | Data Structures and Algorithms Using C++

2.5.1 VIRTUAL FUNCTIONS

Virtual keyword is used to avoid ambiguous situations in the multipath inheritance. In the multipath inheri-

tance, an object can inherit the properties of the derived objects, which are inherited from the same base class

objects.  is kind of situations leads to ambiguity. To avoid ambiguity while calling the inherited members,

virtual functions are introduced. Using the keyword virtual ambiguous situation can be resolved. Ambiguity

is a compiler error.

Program with ambiguity:

#include<iostream.h>

#include<conio.h>

class Base

{

public:

int base_var;

};

class derived1:public Base

{

public:

int derived1_var;

};

class derived2:public Base

{

public:

int derived2_var;

};

class derived3:public ...