Why the friend keyword is required in class in c++ ? Since, its function is same as that of member function.

Question

Why the friend keyword is required in class c++ ? Since, its function is same as that of member function.

Answer 1

First of all the friend keyword in C++ is not the same as a member function, and it serves a very specific purpose.

Like :

1. Friend is used to grant access to private/protected members to non-member functions.

2. It's required because C++ enforces encapsulation, only members can access private data unless friendship is explicitly declared.

3. Member functions belong to the class, friend functions do not.