Raj

• Sep 15th, 2007

 

Improper inheritance is when multiple base class is used and derive a class, then the class inheritance would be confusing. If the derived class cannot / possibly go to the base class, then we say improper inheritance

Proper inheritance: The derived class should be in a clear position to reach the base class.

michaelpyles

 Profile Answers by michaelpyles 

• Dec 28th, 2007

 

Proper inheritance occurs when the derived class "IS A" specialized type of the base class.  Example Cat IS A Animal.
Improper inheritance occurs when a class is inherited from merely for code reuse, without having any other relationship.  Example Cat Inherits from Engine.  A Cat is not an engine however both an engine and a cat purr. 

yzesong

 Profile Answers by yzesong 

• Jul 30th, 2009

 

As long as no diamond problems (improper inheritance),  single or multiple inheritance can all be proper inheritance. When usng multiple inheritance with diamond problem, you can use virtual inheritance to make the multiple inheritance a proper one.