C++ Programming Code Examples

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Postfix Increment ++ Operator Overloading

Postfix Increment ++ Operator Overloading

In this example, you'll learn to overload increment ++ and decrement -- operators in C++.

In this tutorial, increment ++ and decrements -- operator are overloaded in best possible way, i.e., increase the value of a data member by 1 if ++ operator operates on an object and decrease value of data member by 1 if -- operator is used.

Overloading of increment operator up to this point is only true if it is used in prefix form.

This is the modification of above program to make this work both for prefix form and postfix form.

When increment operator is overloaded in prefix form; Check operator ++ () is called but, when increment operator is overloaded in postfix form; Check operator ++ (int) is invoked.

Notice, the int inside bracket. This int gives information to the compiler that it is the postfix version of operator.

Don't confuse this int doesn't indicate integer.

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

class Check
{
  private:
    int i;
  public:
    Check(): i(0) {  }
    Check operator ++ ()
    {
        Check temp;
        temp.i = ++i;
        return temp;
    }

    // Notice int inside barcket which indicates postfix increment.
    Check operator ++ (int)
    {
        Check temp;
        temp.i = i++;
        return temp;
    }

    void Display()
    { cout << "i = "<< i <<endl; }
};

int main()
{
    Check obj, obj1;    
    obj.Display(); 
    obj1.Display();

    // Operator function is called, only then value of obj is assigned to obj1
    obj1 = ++obj;
    obj.Display();
    obj1.Display();

    // Assigns value of obj to obj1, only then operator function is called.
    obj1 = obj++;
    obj.Display();
    obj1.Display();

    return 0;
}