Polymorphism in C++
■ Polymorphism means 'many forms'. In C++, it allows one function or object to
behave differently depending on the arguments or object type.
1■■ Types of Polymorphism
Type When Decided Achieved By Example
Compile-time At compile time Function / Operator Overloadingadd(int,int) and add(double,double)
Run-time At run time Virtual Functions (Inheritance) Animal -> Dog / Cat
2■■ Example: Compile-time Polymorphism (Function Overloading)
Code:
#include using namespace std; class Math { public: void add(int a, int b) { cout <<
"Sum of integers: " << a + b << endl; } void add(double a, double b) { cout << "Sum
of doubles: " << a + b << endl; } void add(int a, int b, int c) { cout << "Sum of three
integers: " << a + b + c << endl; } }; int main() { Math obj; [Link](5, 10);
[Link](2.5, 3.7); [Link](1, 2, 3); return 0; }
■ Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. The class Math contains three 'add()' functions with different parameter lists
(function overloading).
2. The compiler decides which function to call based on the number and type of
arguments.
3. [Link](5,10) calls add(int,int).
4. [Link](2.5,3.7) calls add(double,double).
5. [Link](1,2,3) calls add(int,int,int).
■ Output:
Sum of integers: 15 Sum of doubles: 6.2 Sum of three integers: 6
■ Diagram: How Compiler Selects the Right Function
[Link](...) | ----------------------------- | | | add(int,int) add(double,double)
add(int,int,int) | | | 5,10 2.5,3.7 1,2,3 | | | Sum of integers Sum of doubles Sum of
three integers
■ Key Points:
• Function overloading enables multiple functions with the same name but different
parameters.
• The compiler selects the correct function at compile time (Compile-time
Polymorphism).
• Helps make code clean, readable, and reusable.
