Object Oriented Programming with C++, Second Edition

5.9 INLINE FUNCTIONS (within a class)

In the earlier chapter, we have seen the use of keyword inline with global functions. It tells the compiler to replace every function call in a source code by actual code of that function. We can request the compiler for inline expansion for member functions too. Let us study inline functions within a class. This can be done in two different styles.

Style1: When a member function is fully defined in the class definition for example.

Syntax:

class SomeClass    {   <datatype> <function_name>(<parameters>)        { <statements>; }    }

Here we combine function declaration and definition. Note the absence of keyword inline. Such functions are inline by default. It should be noted that the function definition ...