Rust for C-Programmers

8.13 Function Overloading

8.13.1 Function Name Overloading

In some languages like C++, you can have multiple functions with the same name but different parameter types (function overloading). In Rust, function overloading based on parameter types is not supported.

• Each function must have a unique name within its scope.
• If you need similar functionality for different types, you can use generics or traits.

Example of Using Traits:

trait Draw {
    fn draw(&self);
}
struct Circle;
struct Square;
impl Draw for Circle {
    fn draw(&self) {
        println!("Drawing a circle");
    }
}
impl Draw for Square {
    fn draw(&self) {
        println!("Drawing a square");
    }
}
fn main() {
    let c = Circle;
    let s = Square;
    c.draw();
    s.draw();
}

• By implementing traits, you can achieve similar behavior without function overloading.

8.13.2 Method Overloading with Traits

Methods can appear to be overloaded when they're defined in different implementations for different types.