We may, therefore, as computer scientists, look with confidence for grace in the discharge of our mutual responsibilities and for guidance and help in our common perplexities and trials. In order to be equitable, we must have mutual friendship. For to be otherwise would be an abomination and likely to result in criminal proceedings. I now ask Linda to continue our readings from the ARM, Chapter 11, section 4. The only way of specifying mutual friendship between two classes is to declare all of the second class a friend of the first.
Friendship is neither inherited nor transitive.
Consider, however, the effect of allowing friendship to be inherited. That would make it possible for a user to grab access. We see therefore that mutual friendship requires complete access to be provided to the friend class. For balance, we require each class to take all of the other as a friend. May those present confirm the desire and purpose of your hearts, and witness your beginning in the name of Stroustrup.