Limitations of OOP in C++
- Inheritance can increase complexity in deep hierarchies.
- Object creation requires more memory.
- Runtime polymorphism adds overhead.
- Too much abstraction may reduce performance.
- Error handling can be more complex.
- Difficult to model functional problems directly.
Advantages of OOP in C++
- Modularity through Classes
OOP allows breaking down complex programs into smaller, manageable pieces (classes). This modularity improves organization and makes code easier to understand and debug. - Reusability through Inheritance
Once a class is written, it can be reused using inheritance. New classes can reuse existing functionalities and only add or override what’s needed—saving time and effort. - Data Hiding and Security via Encapsulation
OOP protects internal object details using access specifiers like private and protected, exposing only what’s necessary. This secures the data from accidental modification. - Flexibility and Maintainability
Changes in one part of the code (like one class) typically don’t affect others. This improves maintainability and makes large-scale projects easier to manage. - Polymorphism for Dynamic Behavior
Using polymorphism (especially runtime), you can write code that works with objects of different classes using a common interface, making the system flexible and scalable. - Real-World Mapping
OOP models real-world entities (like Car, Student, Account) directly in code, making logic intuitive and closer to real scenarios.
10.11 Disadvantages of OOP in C++
- Complexity for Small Programs
For very small or simple tasks, OOP might feel like overkill. The setup of classes and objects adds unnecessary complexity in such cases. - Steep Learning Curve
Beginners may find concepts like abstraction, inheritance, and polymorphism confusing initially, especially when combined with C++ syntax. - Larger Program Size
OOP adds overhead due to additional abstraction layers, leading to larger compiled binaries compared to procedural code. - Slower Execution
Runtime polymorphism and virtual functions introduce slight performance overhead due to dynamic binding. - Design Dependency
A poorly designed class structure can ruin modularity and make the code even more difficult to manage and debug. - More Memory Usage
Due to multiple objects, pointers, vtables (for virtual functions), and inheritance trees, OOP-based systems typically consume more memory than procedural ones.