Polymorphism in C++ (Exam Notes)
1■■ Introduction
Polymorphism means 'many forms'. It allows the same function/operator to have different behaviors
depending on the situation.
Example: The operator '+' can be used for numbers (addition) and for strings (concatenation). A
function 'speak()' can mean different things for Animal vs Dog.
There are two main types: (1) Compile-time Polymorphism (Static / Early Binding), (2) Run-time
Polymorphism (Dynamic / Late Binding).
2■■ Compile-Time Polymorphism
Function Overloading
Same function name, different parameters. Decided at compile time.
class Math {
public:
int add(int a, int b) { return a + b; }
double add(double a, double b) { return a + b; }
};
int main() {
Math m;
cout << m.add(5, 10) << endl; // int version
cout << m.add(2.5, 3.7) << endl; // double version
}
Operator Overloading
You can redefine operators for user-defined types.
class B {
public:
int a;
void operator+(B &obj;) { cout << "Operator + Overloaded" << endl; }
void operator() () { cout << "Operator () Overloaded: Value = " <<
this->a << endl; }
};
int main() {
B obj1, obj2;
obj1.a = 4; obj2.a = 7;
obj1 + obj2; // Calls overloaded +
obj1(); // Calls overloaded ()
}
3■■ Run-Time Polymorphism
Function Overriding → Derived class provides its own implementation of a base class function.
class Animal {
public:
virtual void speak() { cout << "Speaking" << endl; }
};
class Dog : public Animal {
public:
void speak() override { cout << "Barking" << endl; }
};
int main() {
Animal* a = new Dog();
a->speak(); // Prints "Barking"
}
4■■ Differences Between Compile-Time and Run-Time Polymorphism
FeatureCompile-Time (Static)Run-Time (Dynamic) Binding TimeCompile timeRuntime
ExamplesFunction Overloading, Operator OverloadingFunction Overriding virtual keyword
neededNoYes PerformanceFasterSlightly Slower
5■■ Important Questions with Answers
Q1. Define Polymorphism. Explain its types with examples.
Answer: Polymorphism means 'many forms'. It allows the same function/operator to behave differently
in different contexts. Types: Compile-time Polymorphism (Overloading), Run-time Polymorphism
(Overriding with virtual).
Q2. What is operator overloading? Explain with syntax and example.
Answer: Operator overloading allows redefining how operators work for user-defined types.
Syntax: return_type operator symbol(arguments)
Example: void operator+(B &obj;) { cout << 'Operator + Overloaded'; }
Q3. Differentiate between function overloading and function overriding.
Overloading → Same name, different parameters, resolved at compile-time.
Overriding → Same name and parameters in base/derived, resolved at runtime using virtual.
Q4. Write a program in C++ to demonstrate runtime polymorphism using virtual functions.
Answer: Use the Animal/Dog example above with virtual keyword.
Q5. Explain compile-time vs run-time polymorphism in C++.
Answer: Compile-time polymorphism is resolved during compilation (overloading). Run-time
polymorphism is resolved during execution (overriding with virtual).
