Methods vs. Functions in C++ with Examples

A method is a procedure or function in OOPs Concepts. Whereas, a function is a group of reusable code which can be used anywhere in the program. This helps the need for writing the same code again and again. It helps programmers in writing modular codes.

Methods:

1. A method also works the same as that of function.
2. A method is defined inside a class. For Example: main() in Java
3. A method can be private, public, or protected.
4. The method is invoked by its reference/object only. For Example: If class has obj as an object name, then the method is called by:

   obj.method();
   

5. A method is able to operate on data that is contained within the class
6. Each object has it’s own method which is present in the class.

Functions:

1. A function is a block of statements that takes specific input, does some computations, and finally produces the output.
2. A function is defined independently. For Example: main() in C++
3. By default a function is public.
4. It can be accessed anywhere in the entire program.
5. It is called by its name itself.
6. It has the ability to return values if needed.
7. If a function is defined, it will be the same for every object that has been created.

Below is the program to illustrate functions and methods in C++:

Program 1:

// C++ program to illustrate functions
#include "bits/stdc++.h"
using namespace std;

// Function Call to print array elements
void printElement(int arr[], int N)
{

    // Traverse the array arr[]
    for (int i = 0; i < N; i++) {
        cout << arr[i] << ' ';
    }
}

// Driver Code
int main()
{

    // Given array
    int arr[] = { 13, 15, 66, 66, 37,
                  8, 8, 11, 52 };

    // length of the given array arr[]
    int N = sizeof(arr) / sizeof(arr[0]);

    // Function Call
    printElement(arr, N);
    return 0;
}

Output:

13 15 66 66 37 8 8 11 52

Program 2:

// C++ program to illustrate methods
// in class
#include "bits/stdc++.h"
using namespace std;

// Class GfG
class GfG {
private:
    string str = "Welcome to GfG!";

public:
    // Method to access the private
    // member of class
    void printString()
    {

        // Print string str
        cout << str << '\n';
    }
};

// Driver Code
int main()
{

    // Create object of class GfG
    GfG g;

    // Accessing private member of
    // class GfG using public methods
    g.printString();

    return 0;
}

Output:

Welcome to GfG!

Program 3:

// C++ program to illustrate methods
// and functions
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

// Function call to return string
string offering(bool a)
{
    if (a) {
        return "Apple.";
    }
    else {
        return "Chocolate.";
    }
}

// Class Declaration
class GFG {
public:
    // Method for class GFG
    void guest(bool op)
    {
        if (op == true) {
            cout << "Yes, I want fruit!\n";
        }
        else {
            cout << "No, Thanks!\n";
        }
    }
};

// Driver Code
int main()
{
    bool n = true;

    cout << "Will you eat fruit? ";

    // Create an object of class GFG
    GFG obj;

    // Method invoking using an object
    obj.guest(n);

    if (n == true) {

        // Append fruit using function
        // calling
        cout << "Give an " + offering(n);
    }

    // Giving fruit..Function calling
    else {

        // Append fruit using function
        // calling
        cout << "Give a " + offering(n);
    }

    return 0;
}

Output:

Will you eat fruit? Yes, I want fruit!
Give an Apple.