Summary

In this chapter, we explored the intricacies of advanced C++ programming, focusing on class design, inheritance, and templates. We began with the principles of effective class design, emphasizing the importance of encapsulating the minimum necessary functionality and data to achieve better modularity and maintainability. Through practical examples, we highlighted both good and bad design practices. Moving on to inheritance, we examined its benefits, such as code reuse, hierarchical structuring, and polymorphism, while also addressing its drawbacks, including tight coupling, complex hierarchies, and potential violations of the LSP. We provided guidance on when to use inheritance and when to consider alternatives such as composition. In the section on templates, we delved into their role in enabling generic programming, allowing for flexible and reusable components that work with any data type. We discussed the advantages of templates, such as code reusability, type safety, and...