<P> In object - oriented programming, a friend function, that is a "friend" of a given class, is a function that is given the same access as methods to private and protected data . </P> <P> A friend function is declared by the class that is granting access, so friend functions are part of the class interface, like methods . Friend functions allow alternative syntax to use objects, for instance f (x) instead of x.f (), or g (x, y) instead of x.g (y). Friend functions have the same implications on encapsulation as methods . </P>

What is a friend function in c plus plus
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