6. Objects

The C++ object model was inspired by a number of predecessors. The most important influence is probably Simula 67, but other languages, such as Smalltalk, have also had a significant impact. Object-oriented programming in C++ is based on classes. A class can be built from one or more other classes (this is known as multiple inheritance). The language dissociates the notion of class and the notion of type (in particular because several types can be associated with a class). Finally, the methods of languages such as Smalltalk exist in C++, where they are called virtual member functions.