Can C Methods Be Overloaded Based Solely on Return Type?

Overloading Methods Based on Return Type

Overloading allows multiple functions to share the same name but must have different signatures. However, as indicated by the error message, it's not possible to overload methods solely based on their return types in C . Overload resolution considers the function signature, which includes the function name, CV-qualifiers, and parameter types.

To address this issue, there are several options:

1. Rename the Methods: Assign distinct names to each function with different return types, making their purpose clear.
2. Use an Out Parameter: Pass the result value as an out parameter, eliminating the need for different return types.
3. Consider Templates: Utilize templates to create generic functions that handle various data types, offering a flexible solution but requiring a deeper understanding of templates.

In the specific case provided, where My has two get() methods with different return types, the following code demonstrates the options:

Option 1: Rename Methods

class My {
public:
    int getInt(int);
    char getChar(int);
};

Option 2: Use an Out Parameter

class My {
public:
    void get(int, int&);
    void get(int, char&);
};

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