Question

What is the difference between:

a)

class base{
   int a;
public:
   virtual int function();
}; 
class derived : public base{
   int b;
public:
   int function();
};

b)

class base{
   int a;
public:
   int function();
};    
class derived : public base{
   int b;
public:
   int function();
};

Why would you use (a) and why would you use (b)?

Is (b) a kind of polymorphism?

Answer 1

a) overrides the method in the base class. b) hides it. b) is not polymorphism.

Here’s a useful link: The Definitive C++ Book Guide and List