Everything about Hybrid Inheritance in C++
The process of Inheritance is defined as a process where one class inherits a property from another class. The parent class also known as the base class of a class is the one from which properties are inherited. The parent class (derived class) is the class that receives an inheritance from the base class’s properties. For instance, a son gets his father’s property upon his death. In this article, we will learn everything there is to know about Hybrid Inheritance in C++. Before moving ahead, let’s take a quick look at some basics.
Introduction to Inheritance
Through the inheritance process, the members of one class take on the properties and behaviours of another. A new class is created here by deriving from the current base class. A child class and a base class member of the parent class are terms often used to describe the derived member class. The attributes and methods of the parent class are all passed down to the child class once it has been derived.
Additionally, the child class may include unique attributes and methods designed for a specific purpose. The properties a class inherits from its parent class are unaffected by any extra features introduced closely to an existing class. As a result, the new class will contain the combined attributes of the two types.
What is Inheritance in C++?
In actual times, a programmer often has to create an object that must: a) have all the characteristics of its parent; and b) have specific particular characteristics related to persistence.
It may not always be possible and affordable to code such unusual characteristics in the main class. Then, by extending the base class, a new class is created. Additionally, it may be derived from another class with extra features. The characteristics and behaviours described in other classes may be reused, expanded, or modified in this way. As a result, the object produced by the child class, which was derived from many classes, is simple to maintain and adapt. The specialised class for the base class is the derived class.
Technically, inheriting a class involves using the phrase “extends.” To inherit from a class in C++, use the colon (“:”) symbol.
Classification of Inheritances
Several combinations of inheritance and implementation are used for a given function from which the classes are generated. In C++, there are many inheritance types that are accessible, as follows:
- Single Inheritance
Single inheritance is the process through which a derived class gains traits and characteristics from a single base class.
- Hierarchical Inheritance
Multiple derived classes may be constructed from a single base class via hierarchical inheritance. As an example, consider Classes A, B, and C.
- Multiple Inheritance
To derive a class from many base classes, use multiple inheritance. Here, the properties and attributes of many parent classes will be integrated into the child objects that programmers construct. The underlying class hierarchies that these objects follow are present.
- Multilevel Inheritance
A child class is derived from another derived class using multilevel inheritance. This feature follows the hierarchies of the various classes and combines their elements. A heterogeneous aspect of utilizing several inheritances is hybrid inheritance. Here, one or more combinations of single, hierarchical, and multilevel inheritances result in a child class. This inheritance is used in programmes that combine several inheritance types, such as when combining a single inheritance with many inheritances or even in a scenario where multiple inheritances are combined within a single programme.
What is Hybrid Inheritance in C++?
Hybrid inheritance combines several inheritance structures, such as multiple, simple, and hierarchical inheritance.
A single class that is the basis for all other classes is descended from simple inheritance. A class is derived from two classes when there is more than one inheritance, and one of the parents is itself a derived class. Multiple derived classes are produced from a single base class using hierarchical inheritance.
Combining one or more inheritance types results in hybrid inheritance. Take single inheritance with hierarchical inheritance as an example. Consequently, hybrid inheritance is often referred to as multipath inheritance.
Meaning of Hybrid Inheritance in C++
In certain circumstances, using two or more forms of inheritance to construct a programme may be necessary. It is referred to as hybrid inheritance when software uses several inheritance types.
Combining simple, complex, and hierarchical inheritance is hybrid inheritance. In multiple inheritances, a class is often descended from two classes, one of which is itself a descended class and not a base class.
When a class derives from many forms or combinations of inheritances, this is referred to as hybrid inheritance in C++. One derived class may inherit attributes from the base class over many pathways thanks to hybrid inheritance, also known as a multipath inheritance in C++. Occasionally referred to as multipath inheritance. For instance, it is possible to do it by combining multilevel inheritance with hierarchical inheritance.
In a nutshell, hybrid inheritance combines two or more different inheritance types. For instance, use the same software to perform single- and multilayer inheritance.
Hybrid Inheritance Block Diagram
The illustration shows a hybrid of two inheritances— one with single inheritance and the other with multiple inheritances. Here, class B is descended from class A by a single line of descent. Class D also inherits from other classes in multiple inheritances. There are classes B and C here. An inheritance that combines several inheritances and one inheritance is called a hybrid inheritance.
Hybrid Inheritance in C++ Syntax
As seen below, a typical syntax and meaning of hybrid inheritance in C++ are as follows:
Examples: Hybrid Inheritance in C++
Some relevant examples of hybrid inheritance in C++:
- Single + Multiple Inheritance
Let’s examine how both single and multiple inheritances are carried out.
In this diagram, each block stands for a class, and each arrow points to a class’s inheritance.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gone through this detailed article, you must thoroughly understand the concept of Hybrid Inheritance in C++. Everything has been covered, ranging from examples and syntax to an in-depth explanation of how hybrid inheritance combines several forms of inheritance to inherit properties from various classes. When we wish to inherit property with more than one form of inheritance, we essentially employ this type of inheritance.
