Implementation of Inheritance in C++ – Syntax & Example Code

Implementation of Inheritance in C++ – Syntax & Example Code, Learn how to implement inheritance in C++ with a practical example. Understand single, multiple, multilevel, and hierarchical inheritance in C++ programming.

inheritance in C++

Introduction to Inheritance in C++

Inheritance is one of the core principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in C++. It allows a class (derived class) to inherit properties and methods from another class (base class). This promotes code re usability and establishes a hierarchical relationship between classes.
In C++, there are four main types of inheritance:

Single Inheritance
Multiple Inheritance
Multilevel Inheritance
Hierarchical Inheritance

Let’s explore each type with examples.

1. Single Inheritance in C++

In single inheritance, a derived class inherits from only one base class.

#include   
using namespace std;  

// Base class  
class Animal {  
public:  
    void eat() {  
        cout << "Animal is eating..." << endl;  
    }  
};  

// Derived class  
class Dog : public Animal {  
public:  
    void bark() {  
        cout << "Dog is barking!" << endl;  
    }  
};  

int main() {  
    Dog myDog;  
    myDog.eat();  // Inherited from Animal  
    myDog.bark(); // Defined in Dog  
    return 0;  
}

Output

Animal is eating...  
Dog is barking!

2. Multiple Inheritance in C++

In multiple inheritance, a derived class inherits from more than one base class.

#include   
using namespace std;  

// First base class  
class Bird {  
public:  
    void fly() {  
        cout << "Bird is flying." << endl;  
    }  
};  

// Second base class  
class Fish {  
public:  
    void swim() {  
        cout << "Fish is swimming." << endl;  
    }  
};  

// Derived class inheriting from both Bird and Fish  
class FlyingFish : public Bird, public Fish {  
public:  
    void action() {  
        cout << "FlyingFish can fly and swim!" << endl;  
    }  
};  

int main() {  
    FlyingFish ff;  
    ff.fly();    // From Bird  
    ff.swim();   // From Fish  
    ff.action(); // From FlyingFish  
    return 0;  
}

Output

Bird is flying.  
Fish is swimming.  
FlyingFish can fly and swim!

3. Multilevel Inheritance in C++

In multilevel inheritance, a derived class inherits from another derived class, forming a chain of inheritance.

#include   
using namespace std;  

// Base class  
class Vehicle {  
public:  
    void drive() {  
        cout << "Vehicle is driving." << endl;  
    }  
};  

// Derived class (inherits Vehicle)  
class Car : public Vehicle {  
public:  
    void honk() {  
        cout << "Car is honking!" << endl;  
    }  
};  

// Further derived class (inherits Car)  
class SportsCar : public Car {  
public:  
    void speedUp() {  
        cout << "SportsCar is speeding up!" << endl;  
    }  
};  

int main() {  
    SportsCar sc;  
    sc.drive();   // From Vehicle  
    sc.honk();    // From Car  
    sc.speedUp(); // From SportsCar  
    return 0;  
}

Output

Vehicle is driving.  
Car is honking!  
SportsCar is speeding up!

4. Hierarchical Inheritance in C++

In hierarchical inheritance, multiple derived classes inherit from a single base class.

#include   
using namespace std;  

// Base class  
class Shape {  
public:  
    void draw() {  
        cout << "Drawing a shape." << endl;  
    }  
};  

// First derived class  
class Circle : public Shape {  
public:  
    void drawCircle() {  
        cout << "Drawing a circle." << endl;  
    }  
};  

// Second derived class  
class Square : public Shape {  
public:  
    void drawSquare() {  
        cout << "Drawing a square." << endl;  
    }  
};  

int main() {  
    Circle c;  
    Square s;  

    c.draw();        // From Shape  
    c.drawCircle();  // From Circle  

    s.draw();        // From Shape  
    s.drawSquare();  // From Square  

    return 0;  
}

Output

Drawing a shape.  
Drawing a circle.  
Drawing a shape.  
Drawing a square.

Inheritance in C++ Conclusion

Inheritance in C++ enhances code reusability and logical structure by allowing classes to inherit properties from other classes. We covered:

Single Inheritance (one base class)
Multiple Inheritance (multiple base classes)
Multilevel Inheritance (chain of inheritance)
Hierarchical Inheritance (one base, multiple derived classes)

Understanding these concepts is crucial for efficient C++ programming and OOP design.

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