[Cs3] Compile Time & Run Time

[Mikhail Nesterenko]

> 
> Can you explain the difference between compile time and run time, as well
> giving some examples of them please?
> 

If something is decided at "compile time", it means that something is
decided on the basis of the source code only, i.e. by compiler.
Compile time (early binding) of a function invocation:

 BaseClass *pointer; 
 pointer -> function();


would determine that function() is of BaseClass. Meanwhile, the use of
polymorphic/virtual functions enables run-time (late binding)
decision as to what function() is to be invoked. Specifically, the
object that pointer points to is examined, and if it happens to belong
to a particular DerivedClass then DerivedClass::function() is
invoked. This check may not be made at the compile time since the
compiler does not know what object pointer is pointing to.

Thanks,
--
Mikhail