Written by Inam Ullah

What is C++?
Released in 1985, C++ is an object-oriented programming language created by Bjarne
Stroustrup. C++ maintains almost all aspects of the C language, while simplifying memory
management and adding several features - including a new datatype known as a class (you
will learn more about these later) - to allow object-oriented programming. C++ maintains the
features of C which allowed for low-level memory access but also gives the programmer new
tools to simplify memory management.
C++ used for:
C++ is a powerful general-purpose programming language. It can be used to create small
programs or large applications. It can be used to make CGI scripts or console-only DOS
programs. C++ allows you to create programs to do almost anything you need to do. The
creator of C++, Bjarne Stroustrup, has put together a partial list of applications written in
C++.
How do you find out if a linked-list has an end? (i.e. the list is not a cycle)
You can find out by using 2 pointers. One of them goes 2 nodes each time. The second one
goes at 1 nodes each time. If there is a cycle, the one that goes 2 nodes each time will
eventually meet the one that goes slower. If that is the case, then you will know the linked-list
is a cycle.
What is the difference between realloc() and free()?
The free subroutine frees a block of memory previously allocated by the malloc subroutine.
Undefined results occur if the Pointer parameter is not a valid pointer. If the Pointer
parameter is a null value, no action will occur. The realloc subroutine changes the size of the
block of memory pointed to by the Pointer parameter to the number of bytes specified by the
Size parameter and returns a new pointer to the block. The pointer specified by the Pointer
parameter must have been created with the malloc, calloc, or realloc subroutines and not been
deallocated with the free or realloc subroutines. Undefined results occur if the Pointer
parameter is not a valid pointer.
What is function overloading and operator overloading?
Function overloading: C++ enables several functions of the same name to be defined, as long
as these functions have different sets of parameters (at least as far as their types are
concerned). This capability is called function overloading. When an overloaded function is
called, the C++ compiler selects the proper function by examining the number, types and
order of the arguments in the call. Function overloading is commonly used to create several
functions of the same name that perform similar tasks but on different data types.
Operator overloading allows existing C++ operators to be redefined so that they work on
objects of user-defined classes. Overloaded operators are syntactic sugar for equivalent
function calls. They form a pleasant facade that doesn't add anything fundamental to the
language (but they can improve understandability and reduce maintenance costs).
What is the difference between declaration and definition?
The declaration tells the compiler that at some later point we plan to present the definition of
this declaration.

Written by Inam Ullah

E.g.: void stars () //function declaration

The definition contains the actual implementation.
E.g.: void stars () // declarator
{
for(int j=10; j > =0; j--) //function body
cout << *;
cout << endl; }
What are the advantages of inheritance?
It permits code reusability. Reusability saves time in program development. It encourages the
reuse of proven and debugged high-quality software, thus reducing problem after a system
becomes functional.
How do you write a function that can reverse a linked-list?
void reverselist(void)
{
if(head==0)
return;
if(head->next==0)
return;
if(head->next==tail)
{
head->next = 0;
tail->next = head;
}
else
{
node* pre = head;
node* cur = head->next;
node* curnext = cur->next;
head->next = 0;
cur-> next = head;
for(; curnext!=0; )
{
cur->next = pre;
pre = cur;
cur = curnext;
curnext = curnext->next;
}
curnext->next = cur;
}
}
What do you mean by inline function?
The idea behind inline functions is to insert the code of a called function at the point where
the function is called. If done carefully, this can improve the application's performance in
exchange for increased compile time and possibly (but not always) an increase in the size of
the generated binary executables.

Written by Inam Ullah

Write a program that ask for user input from 5 to 9 then calculate the average
#include "iostream.h"
int main() {
int MAX = 4;
int total = 0;
int average;
int numb;
for (int i=0; i<MAX; i++) {
cout << "Please enter your input between 5 and 9: ";
cin >> numb;
while ( numb<5 || numb>9) {
cout << "Invalid input, please re-enter: ";
cin >> numb;
}
total = total + numb;
}
average = total/MAX;
cout << "The average number is: " << average << "\n";
return 0;
}
Write a short code using C++ to print out all odd number from 1 to 100 using a for loop
for( unsigned int i = 1; i < = 100; i++ )
if( i & 0x00000001 )
cout << i << \",\";
What is public, protected, private?
Public, protected and private are three access specifier in C++.
Public data members and member functions are accessible outside the class.
Protected data members and member functions are only available to derived classes.
Private data members and member functions cant be accessed outside the class. However
there is an exception can be using friend classes.
Write a function that swaps the values of two integers, using int* as the argument type.
void swap(int* a, int*b) {
int t;
t = *a;
*a = *b;
*b = t;
}
Tell how to check whether a linked list is circular.
Create two pointers, each set to the start of the list. Update each as follows:
What is the difference between an ARRAY and a LIST?
Answer1
Array is collection of homogeneous elements.
List is collection of heterogeneous elements.
For Array memory allocated is static and continuous.
For List memory allocated is dynamic and Random.
Array: User need not have to keep in track of next memory allocation.
List: User has to keep in Track of next location where memory is allocated.

Written by Inam Ullah

Answer2
Array uses direct access of stored members, list uses sequencial access for members.
//With Array you have direct access to memory position 5
Object x = a[5]; // x takes directly a reference to 5th element of array
//With the list you have to cross all previous nodes in order to get the 5th node:
list mylist;
list::iterator it;
for( it = list.begin() ; it != list.end() ; it++ )
{
if( i==5)
{
x = *it;
break;
}
i++;
}
Does c++ support multilevel and multiple inheritance?
Yes.
What is a template?
Templates allow to create generic functions that admit any data type as parameters and return
value without having to overload the function with all the possible data types. Until certain
point they fulfill the functionality of a macro. Its prototype is any of the two following ones:

template <class indetifier> function_declaration; template <typename indetifier>

function_declaration;
The only difference between both prototypes is the use of keyword class or typename, its use
is indistinct since both expressions have exactly the same meaning and behave exactly the
same way.
Define a constructor - What it is and how it might be called (2 methods).
Answer1
constructor is a member function of the class, with the name of the function being the same as
the class name. It also specifies how the object should be initialized.
Ways of calling constructor:
1) Implicitly: automatically by complier when an object is created.
2) Calling the constructors explicitly is possible, but it makes the code unverifiable.
Answer2
class Point2D{
int x; int y;
public Point2D() : x(0) , y(0) {} //default (no argument) constructor
};
main(){

Written by Inam Ullah

Point2D MyPoint; // Implicit Constructor call. In order to allocate memory on stack, the
default constructor is implicitly called.
Point2D * pPoint = new Point2D(); // Explicit Constructor call. In order to allocate memory
on HEAP we call the default constructor.
You have two pairs: new() and delete() and another pair : alloc() and free().
Explain differences between eg. new() and malloc()
Answer1
1.) new and delete are preprocessors while malloc() and free() are functions. [we dont
use brackets will calling new or delete].
2.) no need of allocate the memory while using new but in malloc() we have to use
sizeof().
3.) new will initlize the new memory to 0 but malloc() gives random value in the new
alloted memory location [better to use calloc()]
Answer2
new() allocates continous space for the object instace
malloc() allocates distributed space.
new() is castless, meaning that allocates memory for this specific type,
malloc(), calloc() allocate space for void * that is cated to the specific class type pointer.
What is the difference between class and structure?
Structure: Initially (in C) a structure was used to bundle different type of data types together
to perform a particular functionality. But C++ extended the structure to contain functions
also. The major difference is that all declarations inside a structure are by default public.
Class: Class is a successor of Structure. By default all the members inside the class are
private.
What is RTTI?
Runtime type identification (RTTI) lets you find the dynamic type of an object when you
have only a pointer or a reference to the base type. RTTI is the official way in standard C++
to discover the type of an object and to convert the type of a pointer or reference (that is,
dynamic typing). The need came from practical experience with C++. RTTI replaces many
Interview Questions - Homegrown versions with a solid, consistent approach.
What is encapsulation?
Packaging an objects variables within its methods is called encapsulation.
Explain term POLIMORPHISM and give an example using eg. SHAPE object: If I
have a base class SHAPE, how would I define DRAW methods for two objects CIRCLE
and SQUARE
Answer1
POLYMORPHISM : A phenomenon which enables an object to react differently to the same
function call.
in C++ it is attained by using a keyword virtual
Example
public class SHAPE
{
public virtual void SHAPE::DRAW()=0;

Written by Inam Ullah

}
Note here the function DRAW() is pure virtual which means the sub classes must implement
the DRAW() method and SHAPE cannot be instatiated
public class CIRCLE::public SHAPE
{
public void CIRCLE::DRAW()
{
// TODO drawing circle
}
}
public class SQUARE::public SHAPE
{
public void SQUARE::DRAW()
{
// TODO drawing square
}
}
now from the user class the calls would be like
globally
SHAPE *newShape;
When user action is to draw
public void MENU::OnClickDrawCircle(){
newShape = new CIRCLE();
}
public void MENU::OnClickDrawCircle(){
newShape = new SQUARE();
}
the when user actually draws
public void CANVAS::OnMouseOperations(){
newShape->DRAW();
}

Answer2
class SHAPE{
public virtual Draw() = 0; //abstract class with a pure virtual method
};
class CIRCLE{
public int r;
public virtual Draw() { this->drawCircle(0,0,r); }
};
class SQURE
public int a;

Written by Inam Ullah

public virtual Draw() { this->drawRectangular(0,0,a,a); }

};
Each object is driven down from SHAPE implementing Draw() function in its own way.
What is an object?
Object is a software bundle of variables and related methods. Objects have state and
behavior.
How can you tell what shell you are running on UNIX system?
You can do the Echo $RANDOM. It will return a undefined variable if you are from the CShell, just a return prompt if you are from the Bourne shell, and a 5 digit random numbers if
you are from the Korn shell. You could also do a ps -l and look for the shell with the highest
PID.
What do you mean by inheritance?
Inheritance is the process of creating new classes, called derived classes, from existing
classes or base classes. The derived class inherits all the capabilities of the base class, but can
add embellishments and refinements of its own.

C++ Interview Questions and Answers

Describe PRIVATE, PROTECTED and PUBLIC the differences and give examples.
class Point2D{
int x; int y;
public int color;
protected bool pinned;
public Point2D() : x(0) , y(0) {} //default (no argument) constructor
};
Point2D MyPoint;
You cannot directly access private data members when they are declared (implicitly) private:
MyPoint.x = 5; // Compiler will issue a compile ERROR
//Nor yoy can see them:
int x_dim = MyPoint.x; // Compiler will issue a compile ERROR
On the other hand, you can assign and read the public data members:
MyPoint.color = 255; // no problem
int col = MyPoint.color; // no problem
With protected data members you can read them but not write them: MyPoint.pinned = true;
// Compiler will issue a compile ERROR
bool isPinned = MyPoint.pinned; // no problem
What is namespace?
Namespaces allow us to group a set of global classes, objects and/or functions under a name.

Written by Inam Ullah

To say it somehow, they serve to split the global scope in sub-scopes known as namespaces.
The form to use namespaces is:
namespace identifier { namespace-body }
Where identifier is any valid identifier and namespace-body is the set of classes, objects and
functions that are included within the namespace. For example:
namespace general { int a, b; } In this case, a and b are normal variables integrated within the
general namespace. In order to access to these variables from outside the namespace we have
to use the scope operator ::. For example, to access the previous variables we would have to
put:
general::a general::b
The functionality of namespaces is specially useful in case that there is a possibility that a
global object or function can have the same name than another one, causing a redefinition
error.
What is a COPY CONSTRUCTOR and when is it called?
A copy constructor is a method that accepts an object of the same class and copies its data
members to the object on the left part of assignement:
class Point2D{
int x; int y;
public int color;
protected bool pinned;
public Point2D() : x(0) , y(0) {} //default (no argument) constructor
public Point2D( const Point2D & ) ;
};
Point2D::Point2D( const Point2D & p )
{
this->x = p.x;
this->y = p.y;
this->color = p.color;
this->pinned = p.pinned;
}
main(){
Point2D MyPoint;
MyPoint.color = 345;
Point2D AnotherPoint = Point2D( MyPoint ); // now AnotherPoint has color = 345
What is Boyce Codd Normal form?
A relation schema R is in BCNF with respect to a set F of functional dependencies if for all
functional dependencies in F+ of the form a-> , where a and b is a subset of R, at least one of
the following holds:
* a- > b is a trivial functional dependency (b is a subset of a)
* a is a superkey for schema R
What is virtual class and friend class?
Friend classes are used when two or more classes are designed to work together and need
access to each other's implementation in ways that the rest of the world shouldn't be allowed
to have. In other words, they help keep private things private. For instance, it may be

Written by Inam Ullah

desirable for class DatabaseCursor to have more privilege to the internals of class Database
than main() has.
What is the word you will use when defining a function in base class to allow this
function to be a polimorphic function?
virtual
What do you mean by binding of data and functions?
Encapsulation.
What are 2 ways of exporting a function from a DLL?
1.Taking a reference to the function from the DLL instance.
2. Using the DLL s Type Library
What is the difference between an object and a class?
Classes and objects are separate but related concepts. Every object belongs to a class and
every class contains one or more related objects.
- A Class is static. All of the attributes of a class are fixed before, during, and after the
execution of a program. The attributes of a class don't change.
- The class to which an object belongs is also (usually) static. If a particular object belongs to
a certain class at the time that it is created then it almost certainly will still belong to that
class right up until the time that it is destroyed.
- An Object on the other hand has a limited lifespan. Objects are created and eventually
destroyed. Also during that lifetime, the attributes of the object may undergo significant
change.
Suppose that data is an array of 1000 integers. Write a single function call that will sort
the 100 elements data [222] through data [321].
quicksort ((data + 222), 100);
What is a class?
Class is a user-defined data type in C++. It can be created to solve a particular kind of
problem. After creation the user need not know the specifics of the working of a class.
What is friend function?
As the name suggests, the function acts as a friend to a class. As a friend of a class, it can
access its private and protected members. A friend function is not a member of the class. But
it must be listed in the class definition.
Which recursive sorting technique always makes recursive calls to sort subarrays that
are about half size of the original array?
Mergesort always makes recursive calls to sort subarrays that are about half size of the
original array, resulting in O(n log n) time.
What is abstraction?
Abstraction is of the process of hiding unwanted details from the user.
What are virtual functions?
A virtual function allows derived classes to replace the implementation provided by the base
class. The compiler makes sure the replacement is always called whenever the object in
question is actually of the derived class, even if the object is accessed by a base pointer rather
than a derived pointer. This allows algorithms in the base class to be replaced in the derived
class, even if users don't know about the derived class.
What is the difference between an external iterator and an internal iterator? Describe
an advantage of an external iterator.
An internal iterator is implemented with member functions of the class that has items to step

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10

through. .An external iterator is implemented as a separate class that can be "attach" to the
object that has items to step through. .An external iterator has the advantage that many
difference iterators can be active simultaneously on the same object.
What is a scope resolution operator?
A scope resolution operator (::), can be used to define the member functions of a class outside
the class.
What do you mean by pure virtual functions?
A pure virtual member function is a member function that the base class forces derived
classes to provide. Normally these member functions have no implementation. Pure virtual
functions are equated to zero.
class Shape { public: virtual void draw() = 0; };
What is polymorphism? Explain with an example?
"Poly" means "many" and "morph" means "form". Polymorphism is the ability of an object
(or reference) to assume (be replaced by) or become many different forms of object.
Example: function overloading, function overriding, virtual functions. Another example can
be a plus + sign, used for adding two integers or for using it to concatenate two strings.
Whats the output of the following program? Why?
#include <stdio.h>
main()
{
typedef union
{
int a;
char b[10];
float c;
}
Union;
Union x,y = {100};
x.a = 50;
strcpy(x.b,\"hello\");
x.c = 21.50;
printf(\"Union x : %d %s %f \n\",x.a,x.b,x.c );
printf(\"Union y :%d %s%f \n\",y.a,y.b,y.c);
}
Given inputs X, Y, Z and operations | and & (meaning bitwise OR and AND, respectively)
What is output equal to in
output = (X & Y) | (X & Z) | (Y & Z)
Why are arrays usually processed with for loop?
The real power of arrays comes from their facility of using an index variable to traverse the
array, accessing each element with the same expression a[i]. All the is needed to make this
work is a iterated statement in which the variable i serves as a counter, incrementing from 0
to a.length -1. That is exactly what a loop does.
What is an HTML tag?
Answer: An HTML tag is a syntactical construct in the HTML language that abbreviates
specific instructions to be executed when the HTML script is loaded into a Web browser. It is

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11

like a method in Java, a function in C++, a procedure in Pascal, or a subroutine in

FORTRAN.
Explain which of the following declarations will compile and what will be constant - a
pointer or the value pointed at: * const char *
* char const *
* char * const
Note: Ask the candidate whether the first declaration is pointing to a string or a single
character. Both explanations are correct, but if he says that its a single character pointer, ask
why a whole string is initialized as char* in C++. If he says this is a string declaration, ask
him to declare a pointer to a single character. Competent candidates should not have
problems pointing out why const char* can be both a character and a string declaration,
incompetent ones will come up with invalid reasons.
Youre given a simple code for the class Bank Customer. Write the following functions:
* Copy constructor
* = operator overload
* == operator overload
* + operator overload (customers balances should be added up, as an example of joint
account between husband and wife)
Note:Anyone confusing assignment and equality operators should be dismissed from the
interview. The applicant might make a mistake of passing by value, not by reference. The
candidate might also want to return a pointer, not a new object, from the addition operator.
Slightly hint that youd like the value to be changed outside the function, too, in the first case.
Ask him whether the statement customer3 = customer1 + customer2 would work in the
second case.
What problems might the following macro bring to the application?
#define sq(x) x*x
Anything wrong with this code?
T *p = new T[10];
delete p;
Everything is correct, Only the first element of the array will be deleted, The entire array
will be deleted, but only the first element destructor will be called.
Anything wrong with this code?
T *p = 0;
delete p;
Yes, the program will crash in an attempt to delete a null pointer.
How do you decide which integer type to use?
It depends on our requirement. When we are required an integer to be stored in 1 byte (means
less than or equal to 255) we use short int, for 2 bytes we use int, for 8 bytes we use long int.
A char is for 1-byte integers, a short is for 2-byte integers, an int is generally a 2-byte or 4byte integer (though not necessarily), a long is a 4-byte integer, and a long long is a 8-byte
integer.
What does extern mean in a function declaration?
Using extern in a function declaration we can make a function such that it can used outside

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12

the file in which it is defined.

An extern variable, function definition, or declaration also makes the described variable or
function usable by the succeeding part of the current source file. This declaration does not
replace the definition. The declaration is used to describe the variable that is externally
defined.
If a declaration for an identifier already exists at file scope, any extern declaration of the
same identifier found within a block refers to that same object. If no other declaration for the
identifier exists at file scope, the identifier has external linkage.
What can I safely assume about the initial values of variables which are not explicitly
initialized?
It depends on complier which may assign any garbage value to a variable if it is not
initialized.
What is the difference between char a[] = string; and char *p = string;?
In the first case 6 bytes are allocated to the variable a which is fixed, where as in the second
case if *p is assigned to some other value the allocate memory can change.
Whats the auto keyword good for?
Answer1
Not much. It declares an object with automatic storage duration. Which means the object will
be destroyed at the end of the objects scope. All variables in functions that are not declared as
static and not dynamically allocated have automatic storage duration by default.
For example
int main()
{
int a; //this is the same as writing auto int a;
}
Answer2
Local variables occur within a scope; they are local to a function. They are often called
automatic variables because they automatically come into being when the scope is entered
and automatically go away when the scope closes. The keyword auto makes this explicit, but
local variables default to auto auto auto auto so it is never necessary to declare something as
an auto auto auto auto.
What is the difference between char a[] = string; and char *p = string; ?
Answer1
a[] = string;
char *p = string;
The difference is this:
p is pointing to a constant string, you can never safely say
p[3]=x';
however you can always say a[3]=x';
char a[]=string; - character array initialization.
char *p=string ; - non-const pointer to a const-string.( this is permitted only in the case of
char pointer in C++ to preserve backward compatibility with C.)

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13

Answer2
a[] = string;
char *p = string;
a[] will have 7 bytes. However, p is only 4 bytes. P is pointing to an adress is either BSS or
the data section (depending on which compiler GNU for the former and CC for the latter).
Answer3
char a[] = string;
char *p = string;
for char a[].using the array notation 7 bytes of storage in the static memory block are
taken up, one for each character and one for the terminating nul character.
But, in the pointer notation char *p.the same 7 bytes required, plus N bytes to store
the pointer variable p (where N depends on the system but is usually a minimum of 2 bytes
and can be 4 or more)
How do I declare an array of N pointers to functions returning pointers to functions returning
pointers to characters?
Answer1
If you want the code to be even slightly readable, you will use typedefs.
typedef char* (*functiontype_one)(void);
typedef functiontype_one (*functiontype_two)(void);
functiontype_two myarray[N]; //assuming N is a const integral
Answer2
char* (* (*a[N])())()
Here a is that array. And according to question no function will not take any parameter value.
What does extern mean in a function declaration?
It tells the compiler that a variable or a function exists, even if the compiler hasnt yet seen it
in the file currently being compiled. This variable or function may be defined in another file
or further down in the current file.
How do I initialize a pointer to a function?
This is the way to initialize a pointer to a function
void fun(int a)
{
}
void main()
{
void (*fp)(int);
fp=fun;
fp(1);
}
How do you link a C++ program to C functions?
By using the extern "C" linkage specification around the C function declarations.

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14

Explain the scope resolution operator.

It permits a program to reference an identifier in the global scope that has been hidden by
another identifier with the same name in the local scope.
What are the differences between a C++ struct and C++ class?
The default member and base-class access specifier are different.
How many ways are there to initialize an int with a constant?
Two.
There are two formats for initializers in C++ as shown in the example that follows. The first
format uses the traditional C notation. The second format uses constructor notation.
int foo = 123;
int bar (123);
How does throwing and catching exceptions differ from using setjmp and longjmp?
The throw operation calls the destructors for automatic objects instantiated since entry to the
try block.
What is a default constructor?
Default constructor WITH arguments class B { public: B (int m = 0) : n (m) {} int n; }; int
main(int argc, char *argv[]) { B b; return 0; }
What is a conversion constructor?
A constructor that accepts one argument of a different type.
What is the difference between a copy constructor and an overloaded assignment
operator?
A copy constructor constructs a new object by using the content of the argument object. An
overloaded assignment operator assigns the contents of an existing object to another existing
object of the same class.
When should you use multiple inheritance?
There are three acceptable answers: "Never," "Rarely," and "When the problem domain
cannot be accurately modeled any other way."
Explain the ISA and HASA class relationships. How would you implement each in a
class design?
A specialized class "is" a specialization of another class and, therefore, has the ISA
relationship with the other class. An Employee ISA Person. This relationship is best
implemented with inheritance. Employee is derived from Person. A class may have an
instance of another class. For example, an employee "has" a salary, therefore the Employee
class has the HASA relationship with the Salary class. This relationship is best implemented
by embedding an object of the Salary class in the Employee class.
When is a template a better solution than a base class?
When you are designing a generic class to contain or otherwise manage objects of other
types, when the format and behavior of those other types are unimportant to their
containment or management, and particularly when those other types are unknown (thus, the
generosity) to the designer of the container or manager class.
What is a mutable member?
One that can be modified by the class even when the object of the class or the member
function doing the modification is const.
What is an explicit constructor?
A conversion constructor declared with the explicit keyword. The compiler does not use an

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15

explicit constructor to implement an implied conversion of types. Its purpose is reserved

explicitly for construction.
What is the Standard Template Library (STL)?
A library of container templates approved by the ANSI committee for inclusion in the
standard C++ specification.
A programmer who then launches into a discussion of the generic programming model,
iterators, allocators, algorithms, and such, has a higher than average understanding of the new
technology that STL brings to C++ programming.
Describe run-time type identification.
The ability to determine at run time the type of an object by using the typeid operator or the
dynamic_cast operator.
What problem does the namespace feature solve?
Multiple providers of libraries might use common global identifiers causing a name collision
when an application tries to link with two or more such libraries. The namespace feature
surrounds a librarys external declarations with a unique namespace that eliminates the
potential for those collisions.
This solution assumes that two library vendors dont use the same namespace identifier, of
course.
Are there any new intrinsic (built-in) data types?
Yes. The ANSI committee added the bool intrinsic type and its true and false value
keywords.
Will the following program execute?
void main()
{
void *vptr = (void *) malloc(sizeof(void));
vptr++;
}
Answer1
It will throw an error, as arithmetic operations cannot be performed on void pointers.
Answer2
It will not build as sizeof cannot be applied to void* ( error Unknown size )
Answer3
How can it execute if it wont even compile? It needs to be int main, not void main. Also,
cannot increment a void *.
Answer4
According to gcc compiler it wont show any error, simply it executes. but in general we
cant do arthematic operation on void, and gives size of void as 1
Answer5
The program compiles in GNU C while giving a warning for void main. The program runs
without a crash. sizeof(void) is 1? hence when vptr++, the address is incremented by 1.
Answer6
Regarding arguments about GCC, be aware that this is a C++ question, not C. So gcc will

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compile and execute, g++ cannot. g++ complains that the return type cannot be void and the
argument of sizeof() cannot be void. It also reports that ISO C++ forbids incrementing a
pointer of type void*.
Answer7
in C++
voidp.c: In function `int main():
voidp.c:4: error: invalid application of `sizeof to a void type
voidp.c:4: error: `malloc undeclared (first use this function)
voidp.c:4: error: (Each undeclared identifier is reported only once for each function it appears
in.)
voidp.c:6: error: ISO C++ forbids incrementing a pointer of type `void*
But in c, it work without problems
void main()
{
char *cptr = 0?2000;
long *lptr = 0?2000;
cptr++;
lptr++;
printf( %x %x, cptr, lptr);
}
Will it execute or not?
Answer1
For Q2: As above, wont compile because main must return int. Also, 02000 cannot be
implicitly converted to a pointer (I assume you meant 02000 and not 0?2000.)
Answer2
Not Excute.
Compile with VC7 results following errors:
error C2440: initializing : cannot convert from int to char *
error C2440: initializing : cannot convert from int to long *

Not Excute if it is C++, but Excute in C.

The printout:
2001 2004
Answer3
In C++
[$]> g++ point.c
point.c: In function `int main():
point.c:4: error: invalid conversion from `int to `char*
point.c:5: error: invalid conversion from `int to `long int*
in C

[$] etc > gcc point.c

point.c: In function `main:
point.c:4: warning: initialization makes pointer from integer without a cast

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point.c:5: warning: initialization makes pointer from integer without a cast

[$] etc > ./a.exe
2001 2004
What is the difference between Mutex and Binary semaphore?
semaphore is used to synchronize processes. where as mutex is used to provide
synchronization between threads running in the same process.
In C++, what is the difference between method overloading and method overriding?
Overloading a method (or function) in C++ is the ability for functions of the same name to be
defined as long as these methods have different signatures (different set of parameters).
Method overriding is the ability of the inherited class rewriting the virtual method of the base
class.
What methods can be overridden in Java?
In C++ terminology, all public methods in Java are virtual. Therefore, all Java methods can
be overwritten in subclasses except those that are declared final, static, and private.
What are the defining traits of an object-oriented language?
The defining traits of an object-oriented langauge are:
* encapsulation
* inheritance
* polymorphism
Write a program that ask for user input from 5 to 9 then calculate the average
int main()
{
int MAX=4;
int total =0;
int average=0;
int numb;
cout<<"Please enter your input from 5 to 9";
cin>>numb;
if((numb <5)&&(numb>9))
cout<<"please re type your input";
else
for(i=0;i<=MAX; i++)
{
total = total + numb;
average= total /MAX;
}
cout<<"The average number is"<<average<<endl;
return 0;
}
Assignment Operator - What is the diffrence between a "assignment operator" and a
"copy constructor"?
Answer1.
In assignment operator, you are assigning a value to an existing object. But in copy
constructor, you are creating a new object and then assigning a value to that object. For
example:
complex c1,c2;
c1=c2; //this is assignment

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complex c3=c2; //copy constructor

Answer2.
A copy constructor is used to initialize a newly declared variable from an existing variable.
This makes a deep copy like assignment, but it is somewhat simpler:
There is no need to test to see if it is being initialized from itself.
There is no need to clean up (eg, delete) an existing value (there is none).
A reference to itself is not returned.
RTTI - What is RTTI?
Answer1.
RTTI stands for "Run Time Type Identification". In an inheritance hierarchy, we can find out
the exact type of the objet of which it is member. It can be done by using:
1) dynamic id operator
2) typecast operator
Answer2.
RTTI is defined as follows: Run Time Type Information, a facility that allows an object to be
queried at runtime to determine its type. One of the fundamental principles of object
technology is polymorphism, which is the ability of an object to dynamically change at
runtime.
STL Containers - What are the types of STL containers?
There are 3 types of STL containers:
1. Adaptive containers like queue, stack
2. Associative containers like set, map
3. Sequence containers like vector, deque
What is the need for a Virtual Destructor ?
Destructors are declared as virtual because if do not declare it as virtual the base class
destructor will be called before the derived class destructor and that will lead to memory leak
because derived classs objects will not get freed.Destructors are declared virtual so as to
bind objects to the methods at runtime so that appropriate destructor is called.
What is "mutable"?
Answer1.
"mutable" is a C++ keyword. When we declare const, none of its data members can change.
When we want one of its members to change, we declare it as mutable.
Answer2.
A "mutable" keyword is useful when we want to force a "logical const" data member to have
its value modified. A logical const can happen when we declare a data member as non-const,
but we have a const member function attempting to modify that data member. For example:
class Dummy {
public:
bool isValid() const;
private:
mutable int size_ = 0;
mutable bool validStatus_ = FALSE;
// logical const issue resolved

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};
bool Dummy::isValid() const
// data members become bitwise const
{
if (size > 10) {
validStatus_ = TRUE; // fine to assign
size = 0; // fine to assign
}
}

Answer2.
"mutable" keyword in C++ is used to specify that the member may be updated or modified
even if it is member of constant object. Example:
class Animal {
private:
string name;
string food;
mutable int age;
public:
void set_age(int a);
};
void main() {
const Animal Tiger(Fulffy,'antelope,1);
Tiger.set_age(2);
// the age can be changed since its mutable
}
Differences of C and C++
Could you write a small program that will compile in C but not in C++ ?
In C, if you can a const variable e.g.
const int i = 2;
you can use this variable in other module as follows
extern const int i;
C compiler will not complain.
But for C++ compiler u must write
extern const int i = 2;
else error would be generated.
Bitwise Operations - Given inputs X, Y, Z and operations | and & (meaning bitwise OR
and AND, respectively), what is output equal to in?
output = (X & Y) | (X & Z) | (Y & Z);

C++ Object-Oriented Interview Questions And Answers

What is a modifier?
A modifier, also called a modifying function is a member function that changes the value
of at least one data member. In other words, an operation that modifies the state of an object.

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Modifiers are also known as mutators. Example: The function mod is a modifier in the
following code snippet:
class test
{
int x,y;
public:
test()
{
x=0; y=0;
}
void mod()
{
x=10;
y=15;
}
};
What is an accessor?
An accessor is a class operation that does not modify the state of an object. The accessor
functions need to be declared as const operations
Differentiate between a template class and class template.
Template class: A generic definition or a parameterized class not instantiated until the client
provides the needed information. Its jargon for plain templates. Class template: A class
template specifies how individual classes can be constructed much like the way a class
specifies how individual objects can be constructed. Its jargon for plain classes.
When does a name clash occur?
A name clash occurs when a name is defined in more than one place. For example., two
different class libraries could give two different classes the same name. If you try to use
many class libraries at the same time, there is a fair chance that you will be unable to compile
or link the program because of name clashes.
Define namespace.
It is a feature in C++ to minimize name collisions in the global name space. This namespace
keyword assigns a distinct name to a library that allows other libraries to use the same
identifier names without creating any name collisions. Furthermore, the compiler uses the
namespace signature for differentiating the definitions.
What is the use of using declaration. ?
A using declaration makes it possible to use a name from a namespace without the scope
operator.
What is an Iterator class ?
A class that is used to traverse through the objects maintained by a container class. There are
five categories of iterators: input iterators, output iterators, forward iterators, bidirectional
iterators, random access. An iterator is an entity that gives access to the contents of a
container object without violating encapsulation constraints. Access to the contents is granted
on a one-at-a-time basis in order. The order can be storage order (as in lists and queues) or
some arbitrary order (as in array indices) or according to some ordering relation (as in an
ordered binary tree). The iterator is a construct, which provides an interface that, when called,
yields either the next element in the container, or some value denoting the fact that there are
no more elements to examine. Iterators hide the details of access to and update of the

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elements of a container class.

The simplest and safest iterators are those that permit read-only access to the contents of a
container class.
What is an incomplete type?
Incomplete types refers to pointers in which there is non availability of the implementation of
the referenced location or it points to some location whose value is not available for
modification.
int *i=0x400 // i points to address 400
*i=0; //set the value of memory location pointed by i.
Incomplete types are otherwise called uninitialized pointers.
What is a dangling pointer?
A dangling pointer arises when you use the address of an object after
its lifetime is over. This may occur in situations like returning
addresses of the automatic variables from a function or using the
address of the memory block after it is freed. The following
code snippet shows this:
class Sample
{
public:
int *ptr;
Sample(int i)
{
ptr = new int(i);
}
~Sample()
{
delete ptr;
}
void PrintVal()
{
cout << "The value is " << *ptr;
}
};
void SomeFunc(Sample x)
{
cout << "Say i am in someFunc " << endl;
}
int main()
{
Sample s1 = 10;
SomeFunc(s1);
s1.PrintVal();
}

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In the above example when PrintVal() function is

called it is called by the pointer that has been freed by the
destructor in SomeFunc.
Differentiate between the message and method.
Message:
* Objects communicate by sending messages to each other.
* A message is sent to invoke a method.
Method
* Provides response to a message.
* It is an implementation of an operation.
What is an adaptor class or Wrapper class?
A class that has no functionality of its own. Its member functions hide the use of a third party
software component or an object with the non-compatible interface or a non-object-oriented
implementation.
What is a Null object?
It is an object of some class whose purpose is to indicate that a real object of that class does
not exist. One common use for a null object is a return value from a member function that is
supposed to return an object with some specified properties but cannot find such an object.
What is class invariant?
A class invariant is a condition that defines all valid states for an object. It is a logical
condition to ensure the correct working of a class. Class invariants must hold when an object
is created, and they must be preserved under all operations of the class. In particular all class
invariants are both preconditions and post-conditions for all operations or member functions
of the class.
What do you mean by Stack unwinding?
It is a process during exception handling when the destructor is called for all local objects
between the place where the exception was thrown and where it is caught.
Define precondition and post-condition to a member function.
Precondition: A precondition is a condition that must be true on entry to a member function.
A class is used correctly if preconditions are never false. An operation is not responsible for
doing anything sensible if its precondition fails to hold. For example, the interface invariants
of stack class say nothing about pushing yet another element on a stack that is already full.
We say that isful() is a precondition of the push operation. Post-condition: A post-condition is
a condition that must be true on exit from a member function if the precondition was valid on
entry to that function. A class is implemented correctly if post-conditions are never false. For
example, after pushing an element on the stack, we know that isempty() must necessarily
hold. This is a post-condition of the push operation.
What are the conditions that have to be met for a condition to be an invariant of the
class?
* The condition should hold at the end of every constructor.
* The condition should hold at the end of every mutator (non-const) operation.
What are proxy objects?
Objects that stand for other objects are called proxy objects or surrogates.
template <class t="">
class Array2D

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{
public:
class Array1D
{
public:
T& operator[] (int index);
const T& operator[] (int index)const;
};
Array1D operator[] (int index);
const Array1D operator[] (int index) const;
};
The following then becomes legal:
Array2D<float>data(10,20);
cout<<data[3][6]; // fine
Here data[3] yields an Array1D object and the operator [] invocation on that object yields the
float in position(3,6) of the original two dimensional array. Clients of the Array2D class need
not be aware of the presence of the Array1D class. Objects of this latter class stand for onedimensional array objects that, conceptually, do not exist for clients of Array2D. Such clients
program as if they were using real, live, two-dimensional arrays. Each Array1D object stands
for a one-dimensional array that is absent from a conceptual model used by the clients of
Array2D. In the above example, Array1D is a proxy class. Its instances stand for onedimensional arrays that, conceptually, do not exist.
Name some pure object oriented languages.
Smalltalk, Java, Eiffel, Sather.
What is an orthogonal base class?
If two base classes have no overlapping methods or data they are said to be independent of, or
orthogonal to each other. Orthogonal in the sense means that two classes operate in different
dimensions and do not interfere with each other in any way. The same derived class may
inherit such classes with no difficulty.
What is a node class?
A node class is a class that,
* relies on the base class for services and implementation,
* provides a wider interface to the users than its base class,
* relies primarily on virtual functions in its public interface
* depends on all its direct and indirect base class
* can be understood only in the context of the base class
* can be used as base for further derivation
* can be used to create objects.
A node class is a class that has added new services or functionality beyond the services
inherited from its base class.
What is a container class? What are the types of container classes?
A container class is a class that is used to hold objects in memory or external storage. A
container class acts as a generic holder. A container class has a predefined behavior and a
well-known interface. A container class is a supporting class whose purpose is to hide the
topology used for maintaining the list of objects in memory. When a container class contains

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a group of mixed objects, the container is called a heterogeneous container; when the
container is holding a group of objects that are all the same, the container is called a
homogeneous container.
How do you write a function that can reverse a linked-list?
Answer1:
void reverselist(void)
{
if(head==0)
return;
if(head-<next==0)
return;
if(head-<next==tail)
{
head-<next = 0;
tail-<next = head;
}
else
{
node* pre = head;
node* cur = head-<next;
node* curnext = cur-<next;
head-<next = 0;
cur-<next = head;
for(; curnext!=0; )
{
cur-<next = pre;
pre = cur;
cur = curnext;
curnext = curnext-<next;
}
curnext-<next = cur;
}
}
Answer2:
node* reverselist(node* head)
{
if(0==head || 0==head->next)
//if head->next ==0 should return head instead of 0;
return 0;
{
node* prev = head;
node* curr = head->next;
node* next = curr->next;

24

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for(; next!=0; )
{
curr->next = prev;
prev = curr;
curr = next;
next = next->next;
}
curr->next = prev;
head->next = 0;
head = curr;
}
return head;
}
What is polymorphism?
Polymorphism is the idea that a base class can be inherited by several classes. A base class
pointer can point to its child class and a base class array can store different child class
objects.
How do you find out if a linked-list has an end? (i.e. the list is not a cycle)
You can find out by using 2 pointers. One of them goes 2 nodes each time. The second one
goes at 1 nodes each time. If there is a cycle, the one that goes 2 nodes each time will
eventually meet the one that goes slower. If that is the case, then you will know the linked-list
is a cycle.
How can you tell what shell you are running on UNIX system?
You can do the Echo $RANDOM. It will return a undefined variable if you are from the CShell, just a return prompt if you are from the Bourne shell, and a 5 digit random numbers if
you are from the Korn shell. You could also do a ps -l and look for the shell with the highest
PID.
What is Boyce Codd Normal form?
A relation schema R is in BCNF with respect to a set F of functional dependencies if for all
functional dependencies in F+ of the form a->b, where a and b is a subset of R, at least one of
the following holds:
* a->b is a trivial functional dependency (b is a subset of a)
* a is a superkey for schema R
What is pure virtual function?
A class is made abstract by declaring one or more of its virtual functions to be pure. A pure
virtual function is one with an initializer of = 0 in its declaration
Write a Struct Time where integer m, h, s are its members
struct Time
{
int m;
int h;
int s;
};
How do you traverse a Btree in Backward in-order?
Process the node in the right subtree

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Process the root

Process the node in the left subtree
What is the two main roles of Operating System?
As a resource manager
As a virtual machine
In the derived class, which data member of the base class are visible?
In the public and protected sections.

C++ programming on UNIX

Could you tell something about the Unix System Kernel?
The kernel is the heart of the UNIX openrating system, its reponsible for controlling the
computers resouces and scheduling user jobs so that each one gets its fair share of resources.
What are each of the standard files and what are they normally associated with?
They are the standard input file, the standard output file and the standard error file. The first
is usually associated with the keyboard, the second and third are usually associated with the
terminal screen.
Detemine the code below, tell me exectly how many times is the operation sum++
performed ?
for ( i = 0; i < 100; i++ )
for ( j = 100; j > 100 - i; j)
sum++;
(99 * 100)/2 = 4950
The sum++ is performed 4950 times.
Give 4 examples which belongs application layer in TCP/IP architecture?
FTP, TELNET, HTTP and TFTP
Whats the meaning of ARP in TCP/IP?
The "ARP" stands for Address Resolution Protocol. The ARP standard defines two basic
message types: a request and a response. a request message contains an IP address and
requests the corresponding hardware address; a replay contains both the IP address, sent in
the request, and the hardware address.
What is a Makefile?
Makefile is a utility in Unix to help compile large programs. It helps by only compiling the
portion of the program that has been changed.
A Makefile is the file and make uses to determine what rules to apply. make is useful for far
more than compiling programs.
What is deadlock?
Deadlock is a situation when two or more processes prevent each other from running.
Example: if T1 is holding x and waiting for y to be free and T2 holding y and waiting for x to
be free deadlock happens.
What is semaphore?
Semaphore is a special variable, it has two methods: up and down. Semaphore performs
atomic operations, which means ones a semaphore is called it can not be inturrupted.
The internal counter (= #ups - #downs) can never be negative. If you execute the down

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method when the internal counter is zero, it will block until some other thread calls the up
method. Semaphores are use for thread synchronization.
Is C an object-oriented language?
C is not an object-oriented language, but limited object-oriented programming can be done in
C.
Name some major differences between C++ and Java.
C++ has pointers; Java does not. Java is platform-independent; C++ is not. Java has garbage
collection; C++ does not. Java does have pointers. In fact all variables in Java are pointers.
The difference is that Java does not allow you to manipulate the addresses of the pointer

C++ Networking Interview Questions and Answers

What is the difference between Stack and Queue?
Stack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) data structure.
Queue is a First In First Out (FIFO) data structure
Write a fucntion that will reverse a string.
char *strrev(char *s)
{
int i = 0, len = strlen(s);
char *str;
if ((str = (char *)malloc(len+1)) == NULL)
/*cannot allocate memory */
err_num = 2;
return (str);
}
while(len)
str[i++]=s[len];
str[i] = NULL;
return (str);
}
What is the software Life-Cycle?
The software Life-Cycle are
1) Analysis and specification of the task
2) Design of the algorithms and data structures
3) Implementation (coding)
4) Testing
5) Maintenance and evolution of the system
6) Obsolescence
What is the difference between a Java application and a Java applet?
The difference between a Java application and a Java applet is that a Java application is a
program that can be executed using the Java interpeter, and a JAVA applet can be transfered
to different networks and executed by using a web browser (transferable to the WWW).
Name 7 layers of the OSI Reference Model?
-Application layer
-Presentation layer
-Session layer
-Transport layer

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-Network layer
-Data Link layer
-Physical layer

C++ Algorithm Interview Questions and Answers

What are the advantages and disadvantages of B-star trees over Binary trees?
Answer1
B-star trees have better data structure and are faster in search than Binary trees, but its harder
to write codes for B-start trees.
Answer2
The major difference between B-tree and binary tres is that B-tree is a external data structure
and binary tree is a main memory data structure. The computational complexity of binary tree
is counted by the number of comparison operations at each node, while the computational
complexity of B-tree is determined by the disk I/O, that is, the number of node that will be
loaded from disk to main memory. The comparision of the different values in one node is not
counted.

Write the psuedo code for the Depth first Search.

dfs(G, v) //OUTLINE
Mark v as "discovered"
For each vertex w such that edge vw is in G:
If w is undiscovered:
dfs(G, w); that is, explore vw, visit w, explore from there as much as possible, and backtrack
from w to v. Otherwise:
"Check" vw without visiting w. Mark v as "finished".

Describe one simple rehashing policy.

The simplest rehashing policy is linear probing. Suppose a key K hashes to location i.
Suppose other key occupies H[i]. The following function is used to generate alternative
locations:
rehash(j) = (j + 1) mod h
where j is the location most recently probed. Initially j = i, the hash code for K. Notice that
this version of rehash does not depend on K.

Describe Stacks and name a couple of places where stacks are useful.
A Stack is a linear structure in which insertions and deletions are always made at one end,
called the top. This updating policy is called last in, first out (LIFO). It is useful when we
need to check some syntex errors, such as missing parentheses.

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Suppose a 3-bit sequence number is used in the selective-reject ARQ, what is the
maximum number of frames that could be transmitted at a time?
If a 3-bit sequence number is used, then it could distinguish 8 different frames. Since the
number of frames that could be transmitted at a time is no greater half the numner of frames
that could be distinguished by the sequence number, so at most 4 frames can be transmitted at
a time.