C++ this
Pointer
In C++, each object can access its own address through the this pointer. The this pointer is an implicit parameter to all member functions. Therefore, within a member function, it can be used to point to the invoking object.
Friend functions do not have a this pointer, because friends are not members of the class. Only member functions have a this pointer.
The following example helps to better understand the concept of the this pointer:
Example
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
class Box
{
public:
// Constructor definition
Box(double l=2.0, double b=2.0, double h=2.0)
{
cout << "Constructor called." << endl;
length = l;
breadth = b;
height = h;
}
double Volume()
{
return length * breadth * height;
}
int compare(Box box)
{
return this->Volume() > box.Volume();
}
private:
double length; // Length of a box
double breadth; // Breadth of a box
double height; // Height of a box
};
int main(void)
{
Box Box1(3.3, 1.2, 1.5); // Declare box1
Box Box2(8.5, 6.0, 2.0); // Declare box2
if(Box1.compare(Box2))
{
cout << "Box2 is smaller than Box1" << endl;
}
else
{
cout << "Box2 is equal to or larger than Box1" << endl;
}
return 0;
}
When the above code is compiled and executed, it produces the following result:
Constructor called.
Constructor called.
Box2 is equal to or larger than Box1