Operator Overloading

Question 1

Operator Overloading

What is operator overloading?

Answer 1

Defining certain operators as your own custom Functions / Methods

Question 2

Operator Overloading

What are the two options for operator overloading?

Answer 2

A method and a function

Question 3

Operator Overloading

What are the 3 rules of Operator Overloading?

Answer 3

1. Must define all desired relationships. (int + class) != (class + int)
2. extensible not mutable (i.e cant override existing overloads)
3. Strict domain of valid operators

Question 4

Operator Overloading

What are the characteristics of using a Function to overload and operator?

Answer 4

• It is free floating and not tied to a class.
• Must define both sides of the operator

Question 5

Operator Overloading

What are the characteristics of using a Method to overload and operator?

Answer 5

• Built into the class itself
• Only define the right side of the operator

Question 6

Operator Overloading

When would you use a Function to overload an operator?

Answer 6

When the left side of the operator is a primitive or pre-defined type.

Question 7

Operator Overloading

When would you use a Method to overload and operator?

Answer 7

When the left side of the operator can be represented by the ‘This’ keyword.

Question 8

Operator Overloading

What is the syntax for using a Function to overload an operator?

Answer 8

return_type operator (const type& lhs, const type& rhs) {
…
}

Question 9

Operator Overloading

What is meant by operator overloading not being mutable?

Answer 9

• You cannot change an already defined relationship.
• You cannot add functionality between two primitives/fundamental types.

Question 10

Operator Overloading

When overloading an operator, why are function arguments const?

Answer 10

Because an operator should not change its operands, but return a new object.

Question 11

Operator Overloading

What are the main operators that cannot be overloaded?

Answer 11

• sizeof
• typeid
• scope resolution (::)
• ternary operators (? :)
• member acces operators (., .*)