C++ When to use abstraction and when inheritance

[Velpus Captiosus]

Isnt abstraction the opposite process of inheritance in C++?When we create a abstract class , we create the basis for other classes while inherited classes take some basis and add details.

 

[gulshan212]

Well, in a very simple and short line, when you want to define a common interface and hide implementation details, you should use abstraction, and when you want to promote code usability, classes, and other implementations, you should use inheritance.

Example of Abstraction

class Shape {
public:
    virtual double getArea() = 0; // Pure virtual function, must be implemented by derived classes
    virtual void printInfo() {
        std::cout << "This is a shape." << std::endl;
    }
};

Example of inheritance

class Circle : public Shape {
private:
    double radius;


public:
    Circle(double r) : radius(r) {}


    double getArea() override {
        return 3.14159265 * radius * radius;
    }


    void printInfo() override {
        std::cout << "This is a circle with radius " << radius << "." << std::endl;
    }
};

I hope you are clear now.
Thanks

 

[Velpus Captiosus]

Well, in a very simple and short line, when you want to define a common interface and hide implementation details, you should use abstraction, and when you want to promote code usability, classes, and other implementations, you should use inheritance.

Example of Abstraction

class Shape {
public:
    virtual double getArea() = 0; // Pure virtual function, must be implemented by derived classes
    virtual void printInfo() {
        std::cout << "This is a shape." << std::endl;
    }
};

Example of inheritance

class Circle : public Shape {
private:
    double radius;


public:
    Circle(double r) : radius(r) {}


    double getArea() override {
        return 3.14159265 * radius * radius;
    }


    void printInfo() override {
        std::cout << "This is a circle with radius " << radius << "." << std::endl;
    }
};

I hope you are clear now.
Thanks

I guess the difference isnt between Abstraction and Inheritance but between Abstraction and Inheritance+Polymorphism.Thanks a lot btw!

 

[Hilton D]

Isnt abstraction the opposite process of inheritance in C++?When we create a abstract class , we create the basis for other classes while inherited classes take some basis and add details.

No, abstraction and inheritance are not opposite processes in C++. Abstraction involves simplifying complex reality by creating abstract classes that provide a common interface or blueprint for other classes. Inheritance, on the other hand, allows classes to inherit properties and behaviors from other classes, including abstract classes, to build on that foundation and add specific details. Abstraction sets the foundation, and inheritance builds upon it, so they are complementary concepts.

 

[Velpus Captiosus]

No, abstraction and inheritance are not opposite processes in C++. Abstraction involves simplifying complex reality by creating abstract classes that provide a common interface or blueprint for other classes. Inheritance, on the other hand, allows classes to inherit properties and behaviors from other classes, including abstract classes, to build on that foundation and add specific details. Abstraction sets the foundation, and inheritance builds upon it, so they are complementary concepts.

Thanks a lot!Have a good day!