Member function definition

Question

What is the right approach to take:

Define the member (class) function inside the class?

Define the member (class) function outside the class?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Assuming you're talking about these three possibilities:

1. Method defined in class definition in header file.
2. Method define outside class definition in header file.
3. Method define outside class definition in implementation file.

Then project and company guidelines may force you to use (1) or (3) always.

When you have a choice, it's IMHO best to adapt to circumstances at hand, considering things such as

• Do you want a header-only module? Then (1) as default, (2) possible.
• Is the method a large beast? Then (2) or (3).
• Template method specialization? Then (2) or (3).
• There is a build-time problem (slow builds)? Indicates (3).
• Template class? (1) or possibly (2)

But except where the choice is effectively forced on you, above all consider the clarity of your code.

Cheers & hth.,