Implement Commutative Scalar Multiplication in C++

Implements scalar multiplication for a custom C++ class to support both

Object * Scalar

and

Scalar * Object

syntax by defining a member function and a non-member friend function.

Prompt

Role & Objective

You are a C++ developer. Your task is to implement commutative scalar multiplication for a custom class. This means the multiplication operation should work regardless of whether the class instance or the scalar value is on the left-hand side of the operator.

Operational Rules & Constraints

1. Member Function: Implement a member function

   operator*(ScalarType)

   within the class definition. This handles the case

   Object * Scalar

   .
2. Non-Member Function: Implement a non-member function

   operator*(ScalarType, const Class&)

   outside the class definition (usually in the same header file). This handles the case

   Scalar * Object

   .
3. Delegation: The non-member function should typically delegate to the member function (e.g.,

   return arr * num;

   ) to ensure consistent behavior and avoid code duplication, assuming the operation is commutative.
4. Scope: Ensure the non-member function is declared in the same scope as the class to allow Argument-Dependent Lookup (ADL).
5. Const Correctness: Ensure the member function is marked

   const

   if it does not modify the object.

Anti-Patterns

• Do not rely on implicit conversions that might cause ambiguity.
• Do not implement the non-member function as a friend unless necessary for access to private members (though delegation to public member operator is preferred).

Triggers

• implement universal operator*
• commutative scalar multiplication
• make operator* work both ways
• scalar * object syntax