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Multiple Inheritance
Multiple inheritance is a feature in C++ where a class can inherit characteristics (data members and member functions) from more than one parent class. The concept is similar to single inheritance (where a class inherits from a single base class), but in multiple inheritance, a class can have multiple base classes.
When a class inherits multiple base classes, it becomes a mixture of their properties and behaviors, and can override or extend them as needed.
Syntax
Here is the syntax to declare a class with multiple inheritance:
class DerivedClass : access-specifier BaseClass1, access-specifier BaseClass2, ...
{
// class body
};
The DerivedClass will inherit members from both BaseClass1 and BaseClass2. The access-specifier (like public, protected, or private) determines the accessibility of the inherited members.
Example
Here is an example of multiple inheritance in action:
#include <iostream>
// Base class 1
class Animal
{
public:
void eat()
{
std::cout << "I can eat!" << std::endl;
}
};
// Base class 2
class Mammal
{
public:
void breath()
{
std::cout << "I can breathe!" << std::endl;
}
};
// Derived class inheriting from both Animal and Mammal
class Dog : public Animal, public Mammal
{
public:
void bark()
{
std::cout << "I can bark! Woof woof!" << std::endl;
}
};
int main()
{
Dog myDog;
// Calling members from both base classes
myDog.eat();
myDog.breath();
// Calling a member from the derived class
myDog.bark();
return 0;
}
Note
In some cases, multiple inheritance can lead to complications such as ambiguity and the "diamond problem". Ensure that you use multiple inheritance judiciously and maintain well-structured and modular classes to prevent issues.
For more information on C++ multiple inheritance and related topics, refer to C++ documentation or a comprehensive C++ programming guide.