Question

Given the following class definition, write an appropriate definition for the member function set: class Temperature \\{ public: void set(double new_degrees, char new_scale); //Sets the member variables to the values given as / / arguments. double degrees; char scale; //'F' for Fahrenheit or 'C' for Celsius. \\};

Short answer

Answer: The "set" member function in the Temperature class works by taking two input parameters, "new_degrees" and "new_scale", and assigning them to the respective member variables "degrees" and "scale". This allows the user to update the degrees and scale of a Temperature object by calling the function with the desired new values.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the target class and function

We need to define the requested function for the given class: ```cpp class Temperature { public: void set(double new_degrees, char new_scale); double degrees; char scale; }; ```

Implement the member function 'set'

Create a definition for the 'set' function that assigns the input parameters to the respective member variables: ```cpp void Temperature::set(double new_degrees, char new_scale) { degrees = new_degrees; scale = new_scale; } ``` After defining the function, the class will look like this: ```cpp class Temperature { public: void set(double new_degrees, char new_scale) { degrees = new_degrees; scale = new_scale; } double degrees; char scale; }; ``` Now, the 'set' function can be used to change the member variables 'degrees' and 'scale' of the Temperature class objects.

Key concepts

Object-Oriented Programming

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that uses 'objects' to design applications and computer programs. OOP is centered around concepts such as classes, objects, inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism.

An object is an instance of a class, which can contain data in the form of fields (often known as attributes or properties) and code in the form of methods (functions specific to the class). A noteworthy feature of OOP is encapsulation, which involves bundling the data (attributes) and the methods that operate on the data into a single unit, or class. Encapsulation helps to hide the internal workings of objects and only exposes a public interface through which the object can be interacted with.

Moreover, OOP allows for inheritance, a mechanism where you can derive new classes from existing ones, thereby promoting code reusability. Finally, polymorphism enables objects to be treated as instances of their parent class rather than their actual class, allowing for flexibility and dynamic method invocation.

Member Function Implementation

A member function, also known as a method, is a function that is associated with a specific class and operates on the objects of that class. Implementing member functions in C++ typically involves defining behaviors that can manipulate or access the object's data.

To implement a member function in C++, you first declare it within the class definition. Then, you provide its definition, either inside the class declaration or outside it using the scope resolution operator ::. In the provided exercise, the member function 'set' is implemented by defining it outside the class:

• The function name is prefixed with the class name and the scope resolution operator to indicate that it belongs to the Temperature class.
• Its purpose is to modify the object's 'degrees' and 'scale' attributes based on the provided arguments.

Correct implementation of member functions is crucial, as it defines how objects interact with their data and each other.

Class Definitions in C++

A class in C++ is a blueprint for creating objects that encapsulate data and behaviors. Class definitions include member variables for storing data and member functions for defining behaviors.

The class definition begins with the keyword class followed by the class name and a pair of curly braces. Access specifiers like public, private, and protected determine the accessibility of the members from outside the class.

• The public specifier allows member access from anywhere outside the class.
• The private specifier restricts access to members only within the class itself.
• The protected specifier allows access within the class and derived classes.

In our textbook exercise example, both the 'degrees' variable and 'scale' variable, along with the 'set' member function, are public members of the Temperature class. Defining classes properly in C++ is foundational for effective Object-Oriented Programming and aids in the development of well-structured, maintainable code.