C++ Methods

In C++, methods are member functions of a class that define the behavior of objects. Methods allow you to perform actions, manipulate data, and interact with other objects. In this article, we will explore the usage of methods in C++ with examples.

1. Creating Methods

To create a method in C++, you define a member function within a class. Here's an example:

#include <iostream>
#include <string>

class Person {
private:
    std::string name;
    int age;

public:
    void displayInfo() {
        std::cout << "Name: " << name << std::endl;
        std::cout << "Age: " << age << std::endl;
    }

    void setName(const std::string& _name) {
        name = _name;
    }

    void setAge(int _age) {
        age = _age;
    }
};

int main() {
    Person person;

    person.setName("John Doe");
    person.setAge(25);

    person.displayInfo();

    return 0;
}

In the above code, we define a class Person with private member variables name and age. We create three methods: displayInfo(), setName(), and setAge(). The displayInfo() method outputs the person's name and age. The setName() and setAge() methods set the values of the corresponding member variables. In the main() function, we create an object of the Person class, set its name and age using the methods, and then display the information using the displayInfo() method.

2. Passing Arguments to Methods

Methods can also accept arguments that allow you to pass data to them. Here's an example:

#include <iostream>

class Calculator {
public:
    int add(int a, int b) {
        return a + b;
    }

    int subtract(int a, int b) {
        return a - b;
    }
};

int main() {
    Calculator calculator;

    int sum = calculator.add(5, 3);
    int difference = calculator.subtract(10, 7);

    std::cout << "Sum: " << sum << std::endl;
    std::cout << "Difference: " << difference << std::endl;

    return 0;
}

In the above code, we define a class Calculator with two methods: add() and subtract(). Both methods accept two integer arguments and return the respective calculations. In the main() function, we create an object of the Calculator class and call the methods, passing the appropriate arguments. The results are then displayed on the console.

3. Returning Values from Methods

Methods can also return values, allowing you to retrieve computed results. Here's an example:

#include <iostream>

class Square {
public:
    int calculateArea(int side) {
        return side * side;
    }
};

int main() {
    Square square;

    int area = square.calculateArea(5);

    std::cout << "Area: " << area << std::endl;

    return 0;
}

In the above code, we define a class Square with a method calculateArea() that accepts the length of a side and returns the area of the square. In the main() function, we create an object of the Square class and call the calculateArea() method, passing the side length. The computed area is then displayed on the console.

Methods in C++ provide a way to encapsulate behavior within objects. They allow you to perform actions, manipulate data, and interact with other objects. Utilize methods to design classes and define the behaviors of your objects in a structured and modular manner.