C++: Accessing parent methods and variables

Question

In which way should I access this parent method and parent variable?

class Base
{
public:
    std::string mWords;
    Base() { mWords = \"blahblahblah\" }
};         


        

Answer 1

I think this is the most common approach:

Write(mWords);

unless you run into ambiguity.

If there's ambiguity or shadowing because you want something in a (particular) base class but something in another base class (or this class) hides it, then use the Base::name syntax.

If a local variable is shadowing one of your members, then use this->, though in general you should try to avoid this situation. (ie: try to avoid naming locals such that they shadow members)

I suppose one way to look at it would be to use the first of these that works and does what you want:

1. name
2. this->name
3. Base::name