Miscellaneous Notes
===================

-- File names for C++ programs don't have to be the same as class names.
   My convention is to always use lowercase for file names and uppercase
   for class names.

-- To compile on using g++, enter on one line all the .cpp files, e.g.,
        g++ rat2.cpp rat2driver.cpp
   The default executable is called a.out 
   To execute on linux, enter:  ./a.out

C++ FAQ
---------

1. Why can't operator<< and >> be member functions?
2. Do I have to write operator= and the copy constructor?
3. How is the const used in member functions?

1. You can never make operator<< and operator>> member functions because
   the left operand must be an object of the class and it never is.
   It's always an ostream or istream object, e.g., cout.

2. You always get a default overloaded assignment operator and copy
   constructor whether or not you write one. They will do a memberwise
   copy. If your class has dynamic memory, you will want to write
   your own operator= and copy constructor.

3. About const in member functions, for example, consider
      Rational operator+(const Rational &) const;   

   The const for the parameter says constant Rational objects are
   allowed as parameters (in x+y, the right operand).
   Variable Rational objects are always allowed.

   The const at the end says constant Rational objects are
   allowed as current objects (in x+y, the left operand).
   Variable Rational objects are always allowed.