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Akhil Bhadwal
Last Updated 31 Jul, 2020
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Table of Contents
C++ is still as relevant today as it was during its advent in the mid-80s. The imperative, object-
oriented programming language is widely used as a general-purpose programming language.
As such, several jobs require candidates to have a profound understanding of C++. If you wish
to sharpen your C++ Language skills further, here are some of the best C++ tutorials that can
help you out.
Best C++ Interview Questions and Answers

If you’re preparing for a job role with emphasis on C++, then here are 20 most important C++
interview questions to self-assess your C++ interview preparation:
Question: Briefly explain the concept of Inheritance in C++.

Answer: C++ allows classes to inherit some of the commonly used state and behavior from
other classes. This process is known as inheritance.
Question: Define C++?

Answer: C++ is a computer programming language that is a superset of C wherein additional
features are made in the C language.
Question: Can we call C++ as OOPS? and Why?

Answer: Yes, C++ can be called OOPS. The full form of OOPS is an Object-Oriented
Programming System which means a paradigm that provides an application of various concepts
including data binding, polymorphism, inheritance, and various others.
Question: Define Class in C++?

Answer: Class is referred to as the designing of the user-defined data type. It reflects the
different entities, attributes, and actions.
Question: Define Object in C++?

Answer: Object is an instance of the class. An object can have fields, methods, constructors
and related. For example, a bike in real life is an object, but it has various features such as
brakes, color, size, design, and others which are instances of its class.
Question: Define Encapsulation in C++?

Answer: Encapsulation is the process of binding together the data and functions in a class. It
is applied to prevent direct access to the data for security reasons. The functions of class are
applied for this purpose. For example, the net banking facility to the customers allows only the
authorized person with the required login id and password to get access and that too only for
his/her part of the information in the bank datasource.
Question: What is an abstraction in C++?

Answer: An abstraction in C++ is the process of hiding the internal implementations and
displaying only the required details. For example, when you send an important message
through email, at that time only writing and clicking the send option is used. This outcome is
just the success message that is displayed to confirm you that your email has been sent.
However, the process followed in transferring the data through email is not displayed because
it is of no use to you.
Question: What is the function of the keyword “Volatile”?

Answer: "Volatile" is a function that helps in declaring that the particular variable is volatile
and thereby directs the compiler to change the variable externally- this way, the compiler
optimization on the variable reference can be avoided.
Question: Define storage class in C++? Name some?

Answer: Storage class in C++ specifically resemble life or even the scope of symbols,
including the variables, functions, etc. Some of the storage class names in C++ include mutable,
auto, static, extern, register, etc.
Question: Can we have a recursive inline function in C++?

Answer: Even though it is possible to call an inline function from within itself in C++, the
compiler may not generate the inline code. This is so because the compiler won’t be able to
determine the depth of the recursion at the compile time.
Nonetheless, a compiler with a good optimizer is able to inline recursive calls until some depth
fixed at compile-time, and insert non-recursive calls at compile time for the cases when the
actual depth exceeds at run time.
Question: Define an Inline Function in C++? Write its syntax. Is it possible for the
C++ compiler to ignore inlining?
Answer: In order to reduce the function call overhead, C++ offers inline functions. As the
name suggests, an inline function is one that is expanded in line when it is called.
As soon as the inline function is called, the whole code of the same gets either inserted or
substituted at the particular point of the inline function call. The substitution is complete by the
C++ compiler at compile time. Small inline functions might increase program efficiency.
The syntax of a typical inline function is:
Inline return-type function-name(parameters)
// Function code goes here
As the inlining is a request, not a command, the compiler can ignore it.
Question: Explain ‘this’ pointer?

Answer: The ‘this’ pointer is a constant pointer and it holds the memory address of the current
object. It passes as a hidden argument to all the nonstatic member function calls. Also, it is
available as a local variable within the body of all the nonstatic functions.
As static member functions can be called even without any object, i.e. with the class name, the
‘this’ pointer is not available for them.
Question: Why do we need the Friend class and function?

Answer: Sometimes, there is a need for allowing a particular class to access private or
protected members of a class. The solution is a friend class, which is capable of accessing the
protected as well as the private members of the class in which it is declared as a friend.
Similarly to the friend class, a friend function is able to access private and protected class
members. A friend function can either be a global function or a method of some class.
Some important points about friend class and friend function:
• Friendship is not inherited

• Friendship isn’t mutual i.e. if some class called Friend is a friend of some other class
called NotAFriend then it doesn’t automatically become a friend of the Friend class
• The total number of friend classes and friend functions should be limited in a
program as the overabundance of the same might lead to a depreciation of the
concept of encapsulation of separate classes, which is an inherent and desirable
quality of object-oriented programming
Question: Explain the significance of vTable and vptr in C++ and how the
compiler deals with them
Answer: vTable is a table containing function pointers. Every class has a vTable. vptr is a
pointer to vTable. Each object has a vptr. In order to maintain and use vptr and vTable, the
C++ compiler adds additional code at two places:
1. In every constructor – This code sets vptr:

1. Of the object being created
2. To point to vTable of the class
2. Code with the polymorphic functional call – At every location where a polymorphic
call is made, the compiler inserts code in order to first look for vptr using the base
class pointer or reference. The vTable of a derived class can be accessed once the
vptr is successfully fetched. Address of derived class function show() is accessed and
called using the vTable.
Question: How is function overloading different from operator overloading?

Answer: Function overloading allows two or more functions with different type and number
of parameters to have the same name. Operator overloading, on the other hand, allows for
redefining the way an operator works for user-defined types.
Question: Is it possible for a C++ program to be compiled without the main()

function?
Answer: Yes, it is possible. However, as the main() function is essential for the execution of
the program, the program will stop after compiling and will not execute.
Question: Draw a comparison between C++ and Java

Answer:
• C++ has destructors, which are invoked automatically when an object is destroyed.
Java has something called automatic garbage collection
• C++ supports multiple inheritance, operator overloading, pointers, structures,
templates, and unions. Java doesn’t have any of them
• Java has a Thread class that is inherited in order to create a new thread. C++ has no
inbuilt support for threads
• In C++, a goto statement offers a way to jump from a location to some labeled
statement in the same function. There is no goto statement in Java
• C++ run and compile using the compiler, which converts the source code into
machine level language. Hence, it is platform-dependent. Java compiler, on the other
hand, converts the source code into JVM bytecode, which is platform-independent.
Question: Take a look at the following C++ program:

Answer:
#include
using namespace std;
int main()
int numbers[5], sum = 0;
cout << "Enter 5 numbers: ";
for (int i = 0; i < 5; ++i)
cin >> numbers[i];
sum += numbers[i];
cout << "Sum = " << sum << endl;
return 0;
Question: What will be the output?

Answer: The program will ask the user to enter 5 numbers and will then present with their sum
as the output. For instance,
Enter 5 numbers: 22
25
32
46
66
Sum = 191
Question: What are the most important differences between C and C++?
Answer:
• C++ supports references while C doesn’t

• Features like friend functions, function overloading, inheritance, templates, and
virtual functions are inherent to C++. These are not available in C programming
language
• In C, exception handling is taken care of in the traditional if-else style. On the other
hand, C++ offers support for exception handling at the language level
• Mainly used input and output in C are scanf() and printf(), respectively. In C++, cin is
the standard input stream while cout serves as the standard output stream
• While C is a procedural programming language, C++ provides support for both
procedural and object-oriented programming approaches
Question: Explain Virtual Functions and the concept of Runtime Polymorphism

in C++ with a code example.
Answer: Any function when accompanying the virtual keyword exhibits the behavior of a
virtual function. Unlike normal functions that are called in accordance with the type of pointer
or reference used, virtual functions are called as per the type of the object pointed or referred.
In simple terms, virtual functions resolve at runtime, not anytime sooner. Use of virtual
functions could also be understood as writing a C++ program leveraging the concept of runtime
polymorphism. Things essential to writing a virtual function in C++ are:
• A base class
• A derived class
• A function with the same name in both the classes i.e. the base class and the derived
class
• A pointer or reference of base class type that points or refers, respectively to an
object of the derived class
An example demonstrating the use of virtual functions (or runtime polymorphism at play) is:
#include
class Base {
public:
virtual void show() { cout<<" In Base \n"; }
};
class Derived: public Base {
public:
void show() { cout<<"In Derived \n"; }
};
int main(void) {
Base *bp = new Derived;
bp->show(); // <- Runtime Polymorphism in Action
return 0;
In the aforementioned program bp is a pointer of type Base. A call to bp->show() calls show()
function of the Derived class. This is because bp points to an object of the Derived class.
Question: What differences separate structure from a class in C++?

Answer: There are two important distinctions between a class and a structure in C++. These
are:
1. When deriving a structure from a class or some other structure, the default access
specifier for the base class or structure is public. On the contrary, default access
specifier is private when deriving a class.
2. While the members of a structure are public by default, the members of a class are
private by default
Question: What does a Static member in C++ mean?

Answer: Denoted by the static keyword, a static member is allocated storage, in the static
storage area, only once during the program lifetime. Some important facts pertaining to the
static members are:
• Any static member function can’t be virtual

• Static member functions don’t have ‘this’ pointer
• The const, const volatile, and volatile declaration aren’t available for static member
functions
Question: Define access specifier and its various types in C++

Answer: An access specifier offers the means by which it is possible to define how the class
members, i.e. functions and variables, will be accessed outside the scope of the class. There are
three types of access specifier in C++:
• Private – Such class members can’t be accessed outside the class in which they are
declared and are only accessible within the same class. Even child classes are
disabled to access private members of its parent class
• Protected – In addition to the class in which they are declared, the child classes can
access the protected members of its parent class
• Public – Class members declared as public can be accessed throughout the program
(code)
Question: Define the Copy Constructor used in C++ along with its general
function prototype. Also, explain the various scenarios in which it is called.
Answer: A member function that initializes an object using another object of the same class is
known as a copy constructor in C++. The Copy Constructor can also be made private. A call
to the Copy Constructor can happen in any of the following 4 scenarios, when:
1. The compiler generates a temporary object

2. An object is constructed or based on some another object of the same class
3. An object of the class is returned by value
4. An object of the class is passed (i.e. to a function) by value as an argument
The general function prototype for the Copy Constructor is:

ClassName (const ClassName &old_obj);
Point(int x1, int y1) { x=x1; y=y1;}
Point(const Point &p2) { x=p2.x; y=p2.y; }
Question: Observe the following code snippet:

int i = 5;
int j = i++;
After execution, what will be the value of i and j? Explain your answer.
Answer: Post the execution of the code above, i and j will be 6 and 5, respectively. For
understanding the output, it’s important to understand how the unary ‘++’ operator and the
decrement ‘--’ operator works in C++.
When any of these operators precede a variable, the value of the variable is first modified and
then this modified value is used. However, when any of the two operators follow a variable,
the value is first used and then it is modified.
Therefore, in the code above j is set to the unmodified value of 5 and then i is incremented to
store 6.
Question: Take a look at the following two code examples for printing a vector:
Sample Code 1:
vector vec;
/* ... .. ... */
for (auto itr = vec.begin(); itr != vec.end(); itr++) {
itr->print();
Sample Code 2:
vector vec;
/* ... .. ... */
for (auto itr = vec.begin(); itr != vec.end(); ++itr) {
itr->print();
Is there any advantage of using one over the other?

Answer: Though both codes will generate the same output, sample code 2 is a more performant
option. This is due to the fact that the post-increment ‘itr++’ operator is more expensive than
the pre-increment ‘++itr’ operator.
The post-increment operator generates a copy of the element before proceeding with
incrementing the element and returning the copy. Moreover, most compilers will automatically
optimize the sample code 1 by converting it implicitly into the sample code 2.
Question: Suppose you have the GPA (Grade Point Average) of n number of
students and you need to store and display it using C++. Can you write a
program that accomplishes this?
Answer:
#include
#include
int main()
int num;
cout << "Enter the total number of students: ";
cin >> num;
float* ptr;
ptr = new float[num];
cout << "Enter the GPA of students." << endl;

for (int i = 0; i < num; ++i)
cout << "Student" << i + 1 << ": ";
cin >> *(ptr + i);
cout << "\nDisplaying GPA of students." << endl;
for (int i = 0; i < num; ++i) {
cout << "Student" << i + 1 << " :" << *(ptr + i) << endl;
delete [] ptr;
return 0;
Question: What is a mutable storage class specifier? How can they be used?
Answer: A mutable storage class specifier is applied only on non-static and non-constant
member variable of the class. It is used for altering the constant class object's member by
declaring it. This can be done by using a storage class specifier.
Question: What are the differences between a shallow copy and a deep copy?
Answer: The differences between a shallow copy and a deep copy can be stated as under.
Shallow Copy Deep Copy
It allows memory dumping on a bit by bit basis from It allows the copy field, which is done by field from
one object to another. one object to another.
It is achieved by using copy instructor and

It is used for shallow copy purposes.
overloading assignment operator.
Question: Define an Abstract class in C++?

Answer: An abstract class in C++ is referred to as the base class, which has at least one pure
virtual function. In such a function, a person cannot instantiate an abstract class. This way an
Abstract class a pure virtual function is defined by using a pure specifier which is equal to zero
during the declaration of the virtual member function in the class declaration. The code sample
can be displayed as follows in example.
// An abstract class
class Test
{
// Data members of class
public:
// Pure Virtual Function
virtual void show() = 0;
/* Other members */
};
Question: Define the Reference variable?

Answer: The reference variable in C++ is the name given to the existing variables. The
variable name and reference variable point share the same memory location in C++, which
helps in updating the original variable using the reference variable. The code can be displayed
in the following example.
#include<iostream>
int main()
{
int x = 10;
// ref is a reference to x.
int& ref = x;
// Value of x is now changed to 20

ref = 20;
cout << "x = " << x << endl ;
// Value of x is now changed to 30
x = 30;
cout << "ref = " << ref << endl ;
return 0;
}
Question; Can we have a String primitive data type in C++?

Answer: No, we cannot have a String Primitive data type in C++. Instead, we can have a class
from the Standard Template Library (STL).
Question: Can we use access specifiers to achieve data hiding in C++?

Answer: Yes, we can use access specifiers to achieve data hiding in C++. These include
Private and Protected.
Question: What is a destructor?

Answer: A destructor is the member function of the class. It has the same name as the class
name and also prefixed with a tilde symbol. It can be executed automatically whenever an
object loses its scope.
Question: Can we overload a destructor?

Answer: No, a destructor cannot be overloaded, and it has the only form without the
parameters.
Question: What is the default constructor?

Answer: The compiler provides a constructor to every class in case the provider does not offer
the same. This is when the programmer provides the constructor with no specific parameters
than it is called a default constructor. The code for default constructor can be displayed in the
following example.
// Cpp program to illustrate the

// concept of Constructors
#include <iostream>
class construct {
public:
int a, b;
// Default Constructor
construct()
{
a = 10;
b = 20;
}
};
int main()
{
// Default constructor called automatically
// when the object is created
construct c;
cout << "a: " << c.a << endl
<< "b: " << c.b;
return 1;
}
Question: Can we provide one default constructor for our class?

Answer: No, we cannot provide one default constructor for our class. This is because when a
variable in the class type is set to null then it means that it was never initialized and the
outcomes will be zero.
Question: What is the main difference between the keyword struct and class?
Answer: The keyword struct is used for resembling public members by default, while the
keyword class is used for resembling private members by default.
Question: Define Block scope variable?

Answer: A Block scope variable is the one that is specified as a block using the C++ that can
be declared anywhere within the block.
Question: What are the functions of the scope resolution operator?

Answer: The functions of the scope resolution operator include the following.
1. It helps in resolving the scope of various global variables.

2. It helps in associating the function with the class when it is defined outside the class.
The code of the scope resolution operator can be displayed as follows.
#include <iostream>
int my_var = 0;
int main(void) {
int my_var = 0;
::my_var = 1; // set global my_var to 1
my_var = 2; // set local my_var to 2
cout << ::my_var << ", " << my_var;
return 0;
}
Question: Define a namespace?

Answer: A namespace is used for resolving the name conflict of the identifier, which is
accomplished by placing them under various namespaces. This way, it helps in the logical
division of the different codes.
Question: Define a class template?

Answer: A class template is a name given to the generic class. The use of the keyword template
is made for defining a class template.
Question: What is the function of the keyword "Auto"?

Answer: The keyword “Auto” is used by default for various local variables for making
function work automatically.
Question: Define a token in C++? Give examples?

Answer: A token is a name given to the various functions in C++ programs. Examples of
tokens include a keyword, symbol, string literal, identifier, constant, etc. The code of token in
C++ other than C, can be displayed in the following example.
asm bool catch class

const_cast delete dynamic_cast explicit
export false friend inline

mutable namespace new operator
private protected public reinterpret_cast
static_cast template this throw
true try typeid typename
using virtual wchar_t
Question: What is the ‘diamond problem’ that occurs with multiple inheritance
in C++? Explain using an example.
Answer: The diamond problem in C++ represents the inability of the programming language
to support hybrid inheritance using multiple and hierarchical inheritance.
Suppose we have a university with some faculty members and some graduate students. A
simple inheritance scheme in this scenario might have different types of people in different
roles. However, all of them inherit from the same Person class.
The Person class defines an abstract getRole() method that would then be overridden by its
subclasses in order to return the correct role type. Things up till this point is simple, however,
if we wish to model the role of a TA or Teaching Assistant then things get weird.
A Teaching Assistant is both a student and a faculty member. This will yield the diamond
problem, as illustrated in the figure below:
The problem generates an inheritance diagram resembling a diamond, hence the name,
diamond problem.
Which getRole() implementation should the Teaching Assistant inherit? Graduate Student or
the Faculty Member? A potential answer might be to have the Teaching Assistant class override
the getRole() method and return a newly-defined role, say TA.
However, such an answer would also be far from complete as it will hide the fact that a
Teaching Assistant is someone who is both a faculty member as well as a graduate student.
Conclusion
This article also covers some C++ Coding interview questions and answer to help you.
Tutorials are an excellent means of learning. Moreover, you might get access to additional
resources. Don’t miss out on them. Here are some important C++ tutorials to strengthen your
C++ knowledge.
There is much more required than having adequate knowledge of all the concepts that are likely
to be asked during a job interview. The demeanor and mannerism is something that is also paid
attention to by the interviewer. So, be clear and precise, don’t wander off the topic.
For every interview, you are also expected to know the Data Structures and Algorithms basics.
To prepare for the same, take this Udemy course: Mastering Data Structures & Algorithms
using C and C++.
If you prefer reading physical books then here is the best C++ interview questions
book: Elements of Programming Interviews: The Insiders' Guide 2nd Edition.
Also, you need not beat around the bush. If you don’t know the answer, it’s ok. Simply accept
it, rather than ranting meaninglessly. Remember, it’s not only what you say, but also how you
say it!
All the very best!

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88+ Chapters with Most

C++ Interview Questions (Frequently

For free Interview preparation check the links below:

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Posted in C++, Interview Questions

Last Updated 31 Jul, 2020

Best C++ Interview Questions and Answers

Question: Briefly explain the concept of Inheritance in C++.

Question: Define C++?

Question: Can we call C++ as OOPS? and Why?

Question: Define Class in C++?

Question: Define Object in C++?

Question: Define Encapsulation in C++?

Question: What is an abstraction in C++?

Question: What is the function of the keyword “Volatile”?

Question: Define storage class in C++? Name some?

Question: Can we have a recursive inline function in C++?

Inline return-type function-name(parameters)

// Function code goes here

Question: Explain ‘this’ pointer?

Question: Why do we need the Friend class and function?

• Friendship is not inherited

1. In every constructor – This code sets vptr:

Question: How is function overloading different from operator overloading?

Question: Is it possible for a C++ program to be compiled without the main()

Question: Draw a comparison between C++ and Java

Question: Take a look at the following C++ program:

using namespace std;

int numbers[5], sum = 0;

cout << "Enter 5 numbers: ";

for (int i = 0; i < 5; ++i)

cin >> numbers[i];

cout << "Sum = " << sum << endl;

Question: What will be the output?

• C++ supports references while C doesn’t

Question: Explain Virtual Functions and the concept of Runtime Polymorphism

using namespace std;

virtual void show() { cout<<" In Base \n"; }

class Derived: public Base {

void show() { cout<<"In Derived \n"; }

Base *bp = new Derived;

bp->show(); // <- Runtime Polymorphism in Action

Question: What differences separate structure from a class in C++?

Question: What does a Static member in C++ mean?

• Any static member function can’t be virtual

Question: Define access specifier and its various types in C++

1. The compiler generates a temporary object

The general function prototype for the Copy Constructor is:

Question: Observe the following code snippet:

for (auto itr = vec.begin(); itr != vec.end(); itr++) {

for (auto itr = vec.begin(); itr != vec.end(); ++itr) {

Is there any advantage of using one over the other?

using namespace std;

cout << "Enter the total number of students: ";