Structures.md

• Structures (struct)
  • Explanation
  • Differences Between Structures and Classes
  • Notes

Structures (struct)

Explanation

1. Structures are user-defined data types that group variables of different types into a single unit.
2. They are particularly useful when managing related data.
3. While structures originated from the C language, C++ enhances them by allowing member functions, constructors, and even inheritance.
4. The struct keyword is used to define a structure.

Differences Between Structures and Classes

1. Default access level: public (structure), private (class).
2. Usage preference: For simple data models (structure), For complex abstractions (class).
3. Inheritance: public by default (structure), Private by default (class).
4. Encapsulation: Less restrictive by design (structure), Promotes encapsulation (class).

Notes

1. Except for the four differences mentioned above, the functions provided by structures are the same as those in classes.
2. When using structures, you should treat them like in C code, not as classes.