Data structure q1

What is a Data Structure?

specialized container that organizes info so it’s efficient. includes element types, set of rules, and operations

What are the requirements for a good algorithm?

correct (stops, gives right answer) and efficient (fast and low memory usage)

What is the difference between i++ and ++i?

uses the value then increments; increments then uses it.

What does the bitwise AND (&) operator do?

compares each bit of two var; returns 1 if both are 1.

What is the purpose of the void data type?

used for functions that do not return a value

How do you declare a constant in C++?

using the const keyword to make a var read-only

What is the ternary operator shorthand (?:) for?

if-else statement; int v = (x < y ? x : y) ;

What is the difference between break and continue?

break exits the loop; continue skips current iteration, moves to the next.

What is Operator Overloading?

Defining standard operators (like ==, +, =) for user-defined types like classes or structures

Static vs. Dynamic Arrays

fixed size set at compile ; use pointers and new operator for runtime sizing.

How do you create and write to a file in C++?

ofstream class from library (insertion operator (<<))

What is a Class Constructor?

A special method; same name as class; automatically called when object called, used to initialize attributes

What is Inheritance?

When a child class inherits attributes and methods from a parent.

Can a subclass access private members of its parent?

No, only public and protected members.

What is Function Overriding?

Redefining a parent class's method in a child class

switch statement

selects one of many code blocks based on a var's value

Do/ while loop

Executes code block at least once before checking the condition (repeat if true)

How to read from a file

ifstream; getline() fetch line from the file

copy constructor

class name, object ( object copied)