What is the difference between polymorphism and static polymorphism in C++?

Polymorphism in C++ primarily includes static polymorphism (compile-time polymorphism) and dynamic polymorphism (run-time polymorphism).

Static polymorphism is achieved through function overloading and operator overloading, where the compiler determines which function or operator to call based on the function name, parameter list, and return type at compile time. This type of polymorphism allows the final function or operator to be determined at compile time, resulting in higher efficiency.

Dynamic polymorphism is implemented through virtual functions and pure virtual functions. The compiler does not determine which function to call during compilation, but instead determines which function to call at runtime based on the actual type of the object. Dynamic polymorphism provides flexibility and scalability, but it can result in some performance loss due to the need to search for function addresses at runtime.

Therefore, static polymorphism determines function calls at compile time, with high efficiency but limited flexibility; dynamic polymorphism determines function calls at runtime, with high flexibility but relatively lower performance. In practical applications, the appropriate type of polymorphism should be chosen according to the needs.