FAQ 2.14 What are the basics of using classes that contain overloaded operators?

They're easy to use. But when you create your own, make sure the operators are intuitive and natural.

Here is an example that uses the standard string class:

 #include <iostream> #include <string>                                    <-- 1 using namespace std; void f(const string& firstName, const string& lastName) {   string fullName = firstName + " " + lastName;      <-- 2   cout << "Your full name is " << fullName << "\n";   <-- 3 } int main() {   f("Charlie", "Brown");   f("Fred", "Flintstone"); } 

(1) Defines class string

(2) Line 1

(3) Line 2

The f() function takes two string objects that will remain unchanged (const string&; see FAQ 2.09).

Line 1 concatenates the first name, a space, and then the last name. This uses the overloaded + operator associated with class string.

Line 2 prints the resulting full name. This uses the overloaded << operator associated with class string.