What does the virtual keyword mean when overriding a method?

Question

What does the keyword virtual do when overriding a method? I\'m not using it and everything works fine.

Does every compiler behave the same in this

Answer 1

When a function is virtual, it remains virtual throughout the hierarchy, whether or not you explicitly specify each time that it is virtual. When overriding a method, use virtual in order to be more explicit - no other difference :)

class A
{
    virtual void f() 
    {
      /*...*/
    };
};

class B:public A;
{
    virtual void f()  //same as just void f()
    {
        /*...*/
    };
};