How do I avoid slicing when dealing with polymorphism?

In C++, object slicing occurs when a derived class object is assigned to a base class object. This results in the loss of the derived class's additional properties and methods. To avoid slicing when dealing with polymorphism, always use pointers or references to base class objects. This allows you to maintain the complete state and behavior of derived class objects.

Here is an example of how to properly use polymorphism to avoid slicing:

class Base { public: virtual void show() { std::cout << "Base class" << std::endl; } virtual ~Base() {} }; class Derived : public Base { public: void show() override { std::cout << "Derived class" << std::endl; } }; void display(Base* b) { b->show(); // Correctly calls the derived class's show function } int main() { Derived d; display(&d); // Pass a pointer to the derived object return 0; }

C++ polymorphism object slicing base class derived class pointers references