ACV Inheritance

People who can't figure out <em>class inheritance</em> (java/C++) or <em>prototypal inheritance</em> (javascript) use the <b>ACV</b> inheritance pattern.  More accurately the ^A^C^V pattern.

Here's how it works:
 - You find a class you like, and want to extend. 
 - You hold down the "Control" button on your keyboard. 
 - While doing so, you press 'A' key, then release, then press the 'C' key, and release.
 - Now you open a new text file.
 - Name the file according to the new class you're making
 - In the new (empty) text file you again press down the "Control" key
 - Now you press the 'V' key.

Hey presto!  You now have a "derived class".  You can "override" some, or all of the methods, or properties - public AND private!

It seems to be a very common pattern amongst embedded developers, not sure why.

POWER USER TIP: If you want to override a method in the base class, but want to still call it from your derived class.  Simply type 'parent' directly in front of the method name.  Here's an example:


/** BEFORE OVERRIDE **/
int Foo(char *x){
   int y;
   // do work
   // ...
   return y;
}

/** WITH OVERRIDE **/
int parentFoo(char *x){
   int y;
   // do work
   // ...
   return y;
}
int Foo(char *x){
   // modify x
   // ...
   return parentFoo(x);
}