Regular cast vs. static_cast vs. dynamic_cast in C++

static_cast − This is used for the normal/ordinary type conversion. This is also the cast responsible for implicit type coersion and can also be called explicitly. You should use it in cases like converting float to int, char to int, etc.

dynamic_cast −This cast is used for handling polymorphism. You only need to use it when you're casting to a derived class. This is exclusively to be used in inheritence when you cast from base class to derived class.

Regular Cast − This is the most powerful cast available in C++ as it combines const_cast, static_cast and reinterpret_cast. but it's also unsafe because it does not use dynamic_cast. This is also called as C-style cast.

Other Available casts

const_cast − can be used to remove or add const to a variable. This can be useful if it is necessary to add/remove constness from a variable.

reinterpret_cast − This is the trickiest to use. It is used for reinterpreting bit patterns and is extremely low level. It's used primarily for things like turning a raw data bit stream into actual data or storing data in the low bits of an aligned pointer.

George John

Published on 28-Feb-2018 10:06:53

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