Difference between Structure and Class

What is the Structure in C++?

Structure is a user-defined data type that combines logically related data items of different data types like float, char, int, etc., together. All the structure elements are stored at contiguous memory locations. Structure type variable helps you store more than one data item of varying data types under one name.

Syntax of Structure in C++

Here is a syntax of Structure: In the above syntax, the struct keyword is used. The struct_name is the name of the structure. The struct members are added within curly braces. These members probably belong to different data types.

What is Class in C++?

Class is a blueprint or a set of instructions to build a specific type of object. It is a basic concept of Object-Oriented Programming which revolves around real-life entities. Class in a programming language determines how an object will behave and what the object will contain. Class is also a user-defined data type which can have different kinds of data types and member functions inside its body.

Syntax of Class in C++

Here is a syntax of Class: In the above syntax, the class name is the name that is assigned to the class. The data is the member of the class, normally declared as variables. The functions here are the class functions.

Structure vs Class in C++

Here is the main difference between Structure and Class in C++:

Which One Should You Choose?

If you have a large memory footprint or like to use a concept like inheritance, then you can choose a class. On the other hand, the structure can be used when you have a small memory field or footprint that is needed to initialize default values.