How can I change my c++ code to use classes instead of struct

Question

Hey guys how can I achieve changing this piece of code to use classes instead of a struct. I briefly understand how classes work but im completely confused how to change this piece of code thanks. The code it's self is to scan a .txt file and then search the .txt file to select a word then print the results.

The basic layout would consist of

class Word {
public:
      string word;
      string definition;
      int usageFrequency;
private:

`class` and `struct` are the same except `class` defaults to private access and `struct` defaults to public. — Retired Ninja, Sep 09 '13 at 04:23

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Sep 09 '13 at 04:27

3

In C++, struct and class are identical except for the default access allowed - class is private while struct is public. There's no need to convert, what you have is just fine.

As a matter of convention usually struct is reserved for structures that don't have any methods. However I've found that adding a constructor or operator< and operator== is perfectly acceptable and is very convenient.

answered Sep 09 '13 at 04:27

Mark Ransom

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Hey thanks, I'd like to change it to a class though. – subzerok Sep 09 '13 at 04:36
@subzerok Then change it to a class. Just substitute `struct` with `class` and add a `public:` after the opening brace `{`. What's the problem? – greatwolf Sep 09 '13 at 04:48

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 09 '13 at 05:03

The difference between struct and class is that struct members are public by default and in class they are private by default. Here is a struct Word converted to class, the only modification you need:

class Word {
public:
    string word;         
    string definition;   
    int usageFrequency;  

    //Constructor
    Word(const string &theWord, const string &theDefinition)
    {
        word = theWord;
        definition = theDefinition;
        usageFrequency = 0;
    }
};

You are missing one difference: `struct`'s base classes are `public` by default, `class`' are `private`. — juanchopanza, Sep 09 '13 at 06:00

How can I change my c++ code to use classes instead of struct

2 Answers2