Question

Lets say I have two classes

Widget
  ^
  |
Window

and I have another class Application:

Defined as follows

class Application
{
public:
    ...
private:
    friend Widget;
};

This will not give Window access to Applications protected and private members. Is there a way to accomplish this without declaring Window and any subsequent “Widget” as a friend of Application?

Answer 1

No it is not possible.

friendship is not inheritable.

Also, friendship indicates a intentional strong coupling between two entities So if your design indeed demands such a strong coupling go ahead and make them friends. friendship breaking encapsulation is a far too misunderstood concept.