What is method overriding in C++?

Prepare for the ASU CSE100 Programming Exam with C++ Study Guide. Review flashcards, multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Master your exam!

Method overriding in C++ occurs when a derived class provides a new implementation of a method that is already defined in its base class. This is a core concept in object-oriented programming that allows the derived class to have a behavior that differs from the base class, while still maintaining the same method signature.

When a method in a base class is declared as virtual, the derived class can override this method with its own implementation. This allows for polymorphism, enabling objects of the derived class to be treated as objects of the base class while still executing their specific overridden behavior when the method is called. This is particularly useful when you want to have a common interface but vary the functionality in subclasses.

For instance, if you have a base class Animal with a method speak(), the derived class Dog can override speak() to provide a sound appropriate to a dog, while other animals like Cat might implement their own version of speak() that sounds like a meow.

In contrast, defining two methods with the same name but different parameters pertains to method overloading, which is a different concept where the method signature varies. Disallowing method definitions or creating methods that prevent base class methods from being called

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