Why is the `override` Keyword More Than Just a Redundancy in C 11?

What's Behind the 'override' Keyword?

C 11 introduced the 'override' keyword, which has raised questions about its true purpose beyond mere redundancy. Is it used solely as a check for overridden virtual methods in the base class, or does it serve a deeper function?

The answer lies in the idea of explicit intent. By using 'override,' you explicitly declare your intention to override a virtual function in the base class, eliminating the possibility of silent errors. For instance, if you intended to override a virtual function in the base class 'Base' with the signature 'virtual int foo() const' in the derived class 'Derived,' but inadvertently omitted the 'const' qualifier, the code would still compile without issue.

However, introducing 'override' in the derived class as 'virtual int foo() override' would trigger a compiler error, alerting you to the discrepancy and preventing incorrect behavior. This mechanism ensures that your code accurately reflects your intentions, improving both clarity and reliability.

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