MASTERING C++ FUNCTIONS: From basics to adv techniques

• FUNCTION in C++


  A reusable block of code that performs a specific task
• FUNCTION in C++

  Takes inputs (parameters), processes them, and returns a result
• FUNCTION in C++


  Helps organize code into manageable, logical units
• FUNCTION in C++

  • Improves code readability and organization 
  • Enables code reusability, reducing redundancy 
  • Simplifies debugging and maintenance
  • Supports modular programming approach
• DEFINITION

  contains the actual code of the function
• DECLARATION

  tells computer about function name return type, and parameters
• PARAMETERS

  Variables in function declaration
• ARGUMENTS

  Actual values passed to function
• RETURN TYPES

  Specifies the type of value the function returns
• RETURN TYPES

  Can be any valid C++ data type (int, double, string, etc.) void for functions that don't return a value
• FUNCTION OVERLOADING

  Multiple functions with the same name but different parameters
• FUNCTION OVERLOADING

  Compiler distinguishes based on number or types of parameters
• DEFAULT ARGUMENTS

  Provide default values for function parameters
• DEFAULT ARGUMENTS

  Allows calling function with fewer arguments
• INLINE FUNCTIONS

  Suggestion to compiler to insert function code at the call site
• INLINE FUNCTIONS

  Can improve performance for small, frequently used functions
• Inline functions are substituted directly into the code at compile-time, making it harder to trace them during debugging.
• stack

  This complicates finding the function as there are no actual function calls to step through.
• RECURSION

  Function that calls itself
• RECURSION

  Requires a base case to prevent infinite recursion
• FUNCTION POINTERS

  Store address of a function
• FUNCTION POINTERS

  Can be used to pass functions as arguments
• FUNCTION POINTERS syntax:

  return_type(*pointer_name)(parameter_types)
• FUNCTION TEMPLATES

  Generic functions that work with multiple data types
• FUNCTION TEMPLATES

  Enables writing type-independent code
• Passing Arguments: BY VALUE


  Creates a copy of the argument
• Passing Arguments: BY VALUE

  Original value remains unchanged
• Passing Arguments: BY REFERENCE


  Passes memory address of the argument
• Passing Arguments: BY REFERENCE

  Changes affect the original value
• const parameters

  Cannot be modified within function
• const functions

  Cannot modify object's data members
• Best Practices for C++ Functions

  • Use meaningful function names 
  • Keep functions focused on a single task
  • Limit function size for readability 
  • Use const where appropriate 
  • Consider exception handling for robust code 
  • Document complex functions with comments