Re: Pure virtual functions: declaring a function in a base class

From:
"Alf P. Steinbach /Usenet" <alf.p.steinbach+usenet@gmail.com>
Newsgroups:
comp.lang.c++
Date:
Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:35:48 +0200
Message-ID:
<i5232p$k96$1@news.eternal-september.org>
* Martin, on 25.08.2010 05:11:

Why doesn't this work? Is there a way to achieve it?
Compiler complains about func1() not being defined in class C, which
inherits it from class B.

class A
{
public:
    virtual void func1() = 0;
}

class B
{
    public func1()
    {
        printf("test");
    }

};

class C : public B, public A
{

};

int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[])
{
    C c;
    c.func1();
    return 0;
}


Presumably you want the implementation in B to override the one in A.

And although you're not posting your real code, the typing mistakes that you've
made seem to indicate that you come from a Java background. Which is helpful in
helping you. But in general, don't assume that your readers are telepaths and
can see what's only in your head or on your screen: that's just stupid. Post
*real code*. See the FAQ about how to ask about Code That Does Not Work.

Now, B::func1 is not virtual, so it can't override anything.

However, if you make B::func1 virtual then you still don't get an override, only
a call ambiguity. The compiler sees 2 possibilities for which function you're
trying to call. And nothing decides between them.

You can either

   * add an override in class C, e.g. calling the B::func1, or

   * make A an abstract class, which means change the inheritance so that C
     inherits B inherits A (in this case func1 becomes virtual in B since it's
     already virtual in A, and B::func1 becomes an override of A::func1), or

   * make A a logical interface, which means let B inherit virtually from A and
     let C inherit virtually from A, and in this case B implements the A
     interface A for class C, at some run time and design level cost.

That said, there is no such thing as '_tmain' in C++. It's a Microsoft
monstrosity, and moreover it's a monstrosity (only) in support of Windows 9x,
which one may presume that you're not out to support? Use a standard 'main'.

You don't use the 'main' arguments so no point in declaring them.

Finally you can omit the 'return 0', since 'main' returns 0 by default.

Cheers & hth.,

- Alf

--
blog at <url: http://alfps.wordpress.com>

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