C++ ClassesLesson 37Free preview

C++ Friend Functions

This lesson is part of C++ · All levels

Summary

Friend is a non-member function that is specifically authorized to access private members of a class. Permission is given with the keyword friend in the class, and the function remains not a member of the class so it does not use a point when called. In addition to the function, a class can also be declared a friend so that the entire method can access the private class of another class.

Key points

Friend is written outside the class but has access to private and protected members.
Friend is not a member of the class, so he doesn't need any special calling objects.
The Friend class gives one class full access to another.
The use of friend should be limited because it can loosen the encapsulation.

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