C++ scope resolution operator vs friend for accessing parent's protected variables

Asked Mar 31 '19 at 17:55

Active Mar 31 '19 at 17:59

Viewed 51 times

What is the right way to access a parent's protected variable?

template<typename T>
struct A
{
    A() : i(2) {}
protected:
    int i;
};

template<typename T>
struct B : public A
{
    void foo() { std::cout << A<T>::i << std::endl; }
};

This will correctly print out 2.

Is there another way to do it with inheritance?

Should I instead of inheritance make B a friend?

edited Mar 31 '19 at 17:59

asked Mar 31 '19 at 17:55

user644361

1

A plain `i` will work fine. `A::i` is not needed. As far as what you're asking, this is entirely up to you. You are designing these classes, you decide what makes the most sense. – Sam Varshavchik Mar 31 '19 at 17:56
@SamVarshavchik I updated my question to include templates. – user644361 Mar 31 '19 at 17:58
2

In that case, `this->i` is much easier on one's fingers. Everything else I wrote still holds true. – Sam Varshavchik Mar 31 '19 at 17:59
What problem are you trying to solve? – Lightness Races in Orbit Mar 31 '19 at 18:03

0 Answers0