Override

When using inheritance, always use the appropriate keyword to mark that a function is overriding another function.

C++

Mark functions you want overridden as virtual. Make sure the proper visibility is used IE protected or public.

When overriding functions, always include the override or final keyword so the compiler can raise errors if you use the wrong function signature or the base class changes.

If your class contains any virtual functions, make sure to declare the destructor virtual as well.

If you don't want a function to be overridden, use the final keyword on the class or function.

If you have an abstract class (meaning the base class should never be constructed on it's own, only it's subclasses) mark functions you want abstract with = 0 . Also, if you are using Visual Studio, mark the class with __declspec(novtable) to save memory on the virtual pointer table on the base class.

Java

Use the @Override annotation when overriding a function.

Always make sure to call the super version of the function unless the documentation explicitly says otherwise.