Theory questions - Advanced C++

1. What is the syntax for calling a static function?
2. Give an example of when a copy constructor is required.
3. If a function only returns a single integer (indicating success or failure of that
   function) How can you in old style C still effectively return other information?
4. How does C++ address this same issue?
5. Why must you use the reference parameter when defining a copy constructor?
6. What is the difference between the implementation of the assignment operator and the copy constructor, assuming you write both for you class?
7. List the ways the copy constructor can be called (both explicitly and implicitly).
8. When do you need to run the delete command explicitly?
9. When do you need the write a destructor function?
10. What does the default copy constructor do? What does it not do?
11. What are the various methodologies for editing a file (to store and update data)? Give Three.
12. What are their pros and cons of each method?
13. What is the difference between protected and private?
14. What is the difference between a virtual function and a regular function?
15. What are some advantages of using a purely virtual function as opposed to a virtual one? Disadvantages?
16. How in code do you create a Pure Virtual function?
17. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a template class to create a linked list versus using an inheriting parent class?
18. When do we need to overload the assignment operator?
19. Can a template class inherit from a template class? Why might you want to do this as opposed to just inheriting from a class?
20. On what can you use the -> operator?
21. Can a function be static and virtual?
22. What is a static member of a class?
23. What is a const variable?
24. What is the difference between an array name and a pointer?
25. What does making a function a "friend" do?
26. In operator overloading, when do you need to use "friendship"?
27. Why should parameters passed by reference be defined as const as opposed to one passed by value?
28. How do you explicitly run the base class constructor from the derived class constructor?
29. What is the syntax for initializing a static member?
30. Can child classes initialize a const static variable in the parent?
31. If a child changes the value of a static member in the parent class, will instances of the parent class see the change?
32. If a function is virtual in the parent but not in the child will a parent pointer pointing to a grandchild run the parent function, the child function , or the grandchild function? Explain.
33. What is the difference between a deep and a shallow copy? Why is this significant?
34. Why is exception handling better than returning a special value to indicate failure? (two reasons)
35. What result would be achieved by making the constructor function of a parent class protected?
36. What does the word const in the code "int function( int a ) const" do?
37. What is an initialization list? Where is it used?
38. Can you over load a static function with non-static version?

Theory questions - Data Structures

1. What is a divide and conquer algorithm? Why is it efficient?
2. What is a sentinel value? How does it assist in creating a bounded array?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an array to implement a heap?
4. Why is a heap better suited to be implemented using an array than a binary search tree is?
5. What is the rule of least access (least privilege)?
6. When creating a heterogeneous linked list, what different designs might you use?
   What class structures could you use?
7. Give an example of a type of application for which a Fifo is needed.
8. Give an example of a type of application for which a Lifo is needed.
9. Give an example of a type of application for which a Binary Search Tree is needed.
10. How do you determine the efficiency of an algorithm (Big O notation)? What do you consider and what do you ignore? Why?
11. For an algorithm that is O(n log n) does it become more or less efficient as the number of variables being worked on increases?
12. What is the worst case scenario for a binary search tree? Explain.
13. What is a balanced tree?
14. When do 2-3-4 trees increase their number of rows?
15. In terms of rows, which is more balanced, a heap or a binary red/black tree?
16. Is a binary red/black tree more or less balanced than true 2-3-4 tree? Explain.
17. What is the inherent difficulty in implementing a Fifo Array versus a Lifo Array?

Theory questions - Object Oriented Programming