What is oops in C++?

OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) in C++ is a programming paradigm based on the concept of "objects," which can contain both data (attributes) and functions (methods). OOP allows for designing software using real-world entities and is characterized by several key principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction.

Key Principles of OOP in C++:

1. Encapsulation

Encapsulation is the bundling of data (attributes) and methods (functions) that operate on the data within a class. It also restricts direct access to some of the object’s components, usually by making data members private, and exposing functionalities through public methods. This helps in maintaining data security and integrity.

• Example:

  class Car {
  private:
      int speed;
  public:
      void setSpeed(int s) { speed = s; }
      int getSpeed() { return speed; }
  };

2. Inheritance

Inheritance allows a new class (called a derived class) to inherit properties and behaviors (methods) from an existing class (called a base class). This promotes code reuse and creates a hierarchy of classes.

• Example:

  class Vehicle {
  public:
      void start() { cout << "Vehicle started"; }
  };
  
  class Car : public Vehicle {
      // Car inherits start() method
  };

3. Polymorphism

Polymorphism means "many forms" and refers to the ability of a function or method to behave differently based on the object calling it. It can be achieved through function overloading, operator overloading, or inheritance-based polymorphism (using virtual functions).

• Example (Virtual Function):

  class Animal {
  public:
      virtual void sound() { cout << "Animal sound"; }
  };
  
  class Dog : public Animal {
  public:
      void sound() override { cout << "Bark"; }
  };

4. Abstraction

Abstraction is the process of hiding the implementation details and exposing only the essential features of an object. It is typically implemented using abstract classes and interfaces (using pure virtual functions in C++).

• Example:

  class Shape {
  public:
      virtual void draw() = 0;  // Pure virtual function (abstract class)
  };
  
  class Circle : public Shape {
  public:
      void draw() { cout << "Drawing Circle"; }
  };

Why OOP is Important in C++:

• Modularity: OOP breaks down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components (classes).
• Reusability: Inheritance allows for code reuse, saving time and effort.
• Flexibility: Polymorphism enables flexibility in how objects interact with each other.
• Maintainability: Encapsulation makes it easier to maintain and modify code by isolating changes.

Conclusion

OOP in C++ is a powerful way to structure programs, making them modular, reusable, and easier to manage. By leveraging encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction, developers can design more complex and scalable applications.

Sources:

• GeeksforGeeks: OOP in C++
• Programiz: C++ OOP Concepts