C++ classes

C++ classes encapsulate data and associated functionality into an object:

classObject.png

class Cube {
	public:
		double getVolume();
		// ...
		
	private:
		double length_;
};

Encapsulation encloses data and functionality into a single unit (called a class):

encapsulation.png
In C++, data and functionality are separated into two separate protections: public and private.

encapsulationPrivatePublic.png

Public vs Private

The protection level determines the access that "client code" has to the member data or functionality:

  • Public members can be accesses by client code.
  • Private members cannot be accessed by client code (only used within the class itself).

Encapsulation # 2

In C++, the interface (.h file) to the class is defined separately from the implementation (.cpp file).