Pure Virtual Function vs. Virtual Function

What's the Difference?

Pure virtual functions and virtual functions are both used in object-oriented programming to achieve polymorphism, but they have some key differences. A virtual function is a function that is declared in a base class and can be overridden in derived classes. It allows the derived class to provide its own implementation of the function. On the other hand, a pure virtual function is a virtual function that is declared in a base class but has no implementation. It serves as a placeholder for derived classes to provide their own implementation. A class containing a pure virtual function is called an abstract class and cannot be instantiated. Derived classes must override the pure virtual function to become concrete classes. In summary, while virtual functions provide a default implementation that can be overridden, pure virtual functions act as placeholders that must be overridden in derived classes.

Comparison

Further Detail

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