Functions and Objects
Operator Overloading in C++
Similar to function overloading, where functionality varies depending on different numbers and types of inputs, operators can be overloaded as well, within a class.
Syntax
/*Similar to function declaration, but with the function name operator_. _ is the operator symbol. */
//overloading the plus operator
returnType operator+ (inputVariables){
//code to execute
}
Notes
Overloaded operators are typically used to handle behavior for when a class interacts with an operator.
If a class is passed into the overloaded operator, the operator function may need access to private members of the class. In this case, the function needs to be declared as a 'friend' function.
Example
//adding two fraction classes together
//Fraction class has a numerator, denominator field with accessors
//A new fraction class is returned with the new numerator and denominator
Fraction operator+(const Fraction& left, const Fraction& right){
int newDenom = left.denominator() * right.denominator();
int newNumerator = (left.denominator() * right.numerator()) + (right.denominator() * left.numerator());
Fraction newFraction(newNumerator, newDenom);
return newFraction;
};
