Question

A(n) ________ function is not a member of a class, but has access to the private members of the class.

Short answer

Answer: Friend function

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the type of function

Based on the given description, the function is not a member of a class, meaning that it is not a member function or a method. Since the function can access private members of a class, it must be a friend function. Thus, the missing term is "friend."

Complete the statement

Now that we have identified the function type, let's complete the statement by filling in the blank: A(n) friend function is not a member of a class, but has access to the private members of the class.