Re: Standard Matrix interfaces

From: helmut.zeisel_at_[hidden]
Date: 2001-08-29 02:21:48

--- In boost_at_y..., Philipp K. Janert <janert_at_i...> wrote:
> 

> 
> Excuse my ignorance, but: What does the word 
> "covariance" mean in OO or Computer Science? 
> 

I do not know an exact definition,
but one usage of the word is 
in the discurssion of "virtual constructors":

class A
{
public:
  A* clone(); // returns clone of A
};

class B
{
public:
  B* clone(); // "covariant" result type instead of exact match
};

In former versions of C++, the result type of the
member of the derived class hat to match exactly,
now "covariant" result types are allowed.

If you look at the register of Stroustrup, 3e,
you will also find the word "contravariance"

Helmut