Polymorphism: Function & Operator Overloading

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers concepts from the C++ Polymorphism lecture, including function and operator overloading, compile-time vs run-time differences, and unary vs binary operator types.

Polymorphism

The ability of a function, operator, or an object to have a single name but take on many forms, allowing it to perform different tasks based on context.

Compile-Time Polymorphism

Also called Static Polymorphism, this is decided before the program runs and is faster because the compiler knows which function to call based on the number or type of arguments.

Run-Time Polymorphism

Also called Dynamic Polymorphism, this type is determined during program execution and is more flexible but slightly slower than static polymorphism.

Function Overloading

A C++ feature allowing functions to share the same function name but different parameter lists, either by changing the number of arguments or the type of arguments.

Operator Overloading

A type of compile-time polymorphism providing the mechanism to add special, user-defined meanings to operators like $+$, $-$ , $*$ and $/$ when used with class objects.

Compile-time

The period when the compiler translates human-readable source code ($.cpp$ files) into machine code (an executable $.exe$ file) while checking for syntax and type safety.

Runtime

The period when the compiled executable is running on a CPU, allocating RAM and interacting with the user or OS.

Segmentation Fault

A type of Runtime Error that occurs if the code attempts to access a memory address it does not own.

Unary Operators

Operators that operate on a single operand, such as increment ($++$), decrement ($--$), unary minus ($-$), and logical not ($!$).

Binary Operator Overloading

A technique where a single operator performs functionalities using two operands, internally represented as the left object calling a function with the right object passed as a parameter.

Standard Room price

In the guesthouse booking system scenario, this room type is priced at $P300$.

Deluxe Room price

In the guesthouse booking system scenario, this room type is priced at $P500$.

VIP Room price

In the guesthouse booking system scenario, this room type is priced at $P1000$.

Overloading Return Type Restriction

The rule stating that you cannot overload a function using ONLY the return type; it will cause a compile error.

Compile-time Error

An error such as a missing semicolon or non-existent variable that prevents an executable file from being created.