In C++, the default access specifier depends on the context in which it is used. The default access specifier for class members and base classes differs.
-
Default Access Specifier for Class Members:
- If no access specifier is specified before a class member (variable or function), the default access specifier is private. This means that if you define a class and do not explicitly specify the access specifier for its members, they will be treated as private members by default.
Example:
class MyClass {
int x; // private by default
void foo(); // private by default
};
-
Default Access Specifier for Base Classes:
- If no access specifier is specified before an inherited base class, the default access specifier is public. This means that if you don't explicitly specify an access specifier when inheriting a base class, it will be treated as a public base class.
Example:
class Base {
// ...
};
class Derived : Base {
// Equivalent to "class Derived : public Base"
// Inherits publicly from Base class
};
It is generally considered good practice to explicitly specify the access specifier for class members and base classes to make the code more readable and to avoid any confusion or unintended access levels.