Key Takeaways

Get a recap of all the concepts learned in this chapter.

In this chapter, we learned that const for class type parameters should be used with references or pointers to avoid copying and accidentally modifying the original object. We also learned odd behaviors of C++ regarding function overloads or their lack when const is used for the parameters.

  • Use const for primitive data-type parameters when we want to show they won’t get modified.

  • Use const& for object-type parameters when we have to avoid copying and modifying them.

  • Be aware that const qualification might be ignored, and when we create two overloads, the compiler will not differentiate them, and the compilation will fail.

  • Declarations with non-const parameters might match definitions with const parameters. However, don’t rely on this feature because it degrades readability

Get hands-on with 1200+ tech skills courses.