My reading suggests that simple things, like setting a single value go inline while more complex functions are placed outside the class definition.
What's the criteria to decide when to place a member function inside the class definition? Function simplicity? Personal preference? Is there an accepted standard?
Thanks.
What's the criteria to decide when to place a member function inside the class definition?
By definition, a member function is part of a class definition.
An in-lined function is replicated everywhere the function is called. If it is a large function, that can cause code-bloat.
The inline directive is only a suggestion, anyway. The compiler can ignore it, or it can inline any function that does not use it.
My general practice is to let the compiler (writers) decide what makes sense to inline.
Usual is to put the class declaration into the header file (which can be made available to other compilation units) and the definition into the cpp file then it is clear.
I think by 'inline' here, you mean combining the declaration and the definition in one file.
There are lots of discussions about this eg: c++ - Separating class code into a header and cpp file - Stack Overflow
6v6gt:
I think by 'inline' here, you mean combining the declaration and the definition in one file.
My question arises from this this tutorial at cplusplus.com:
Notice that the definition of the member function
[color=blue]area[/color]has been included directly within the definition of class[color=blue] Rectangle[/color]given its extreme simplicity.
PaulS:
My general practice is to let the compiler (writers) decide what makes sense to inline.
That certainly would simplify life! Any thoughts on style/readability to prefer one way over another?