Conversions and casts

[Daz]

Hi everyone!

I am very new to casting and converting, so much in fact then when I
think I have it figured out, something proves me wrong. I was wondering
if there is any logic in 'what types can be converted/casted into what
other types'. How do I know what casts I can use on a char array for
example. Is it something you just have to figure out, need to learn, or
is there somewhere that maybe most possible conversions are documented.
I have a number of casts that I'd like to make, but instead of posting
all of them, I'd rather know how to do it rather than have someone do
it for me.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Daz

 

[osmium]

I am very new to casting and converting, so much in fact then when I
think I have it figured out, something proves me wrong. I was wondering
if there is any logic in 'what types can be converted/casted into what
other types'. How do I know what casts I can use on a char array for
example. Is it something you just have to figure out, need to learn, or
is there somewhere that maybe most possible conversions are documented.
I have a number of casts that I'd like to make, but instead of posting
all of them, I'd rather know how to do it rather than have someone do
it for me.

The best starting point I know if is Appendix 6 in K&R's book on p 197 which
discusses conversions and promotions. Casting is something you do when the
things discussed there do not cover the case at hand.

 

[pancham]

Hi everyone!

I am very new to casting and converting, so much in fact then when I
think I have it figured out, something proves me wrong. I was wondering
if there is any logic in 'what types can be converted/casted into what
other types'. How do I know what casts I can use on a char array for
example. Is it something you just have to figure out, need to learn, or
is there somewhere that maybe most possible conversions are documented.
I have a number of casts that I'd like to make, but instead of posting
all of them, I'd rather know how to do it rather than have someone do
it for me.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Daz

When it comes to C++, conversions and casts is much more than what it
is in C. Leaving aside all the explicit casting paradigms, there could
be some many scenarios where compiler may do the implicit casting or
conversion for you. There are few items in "More Effective C++" by
Scott Meyers which explains few of them in detail.

~pancham

 

[Tim Love]

I think Stroustrup says in his main book that there are maybe too many
implicit conversions in C++.
By chance I've just put together a sort of quiz on the topic at
http://www-h.eng.cam.ac.uk/help/tpl/languages/C++/strongtyping.html
Slightly heavier stuff is at
http://www-h.eng.cam.ac.uk/help/tpl/languages/C++/casting.html

 

[Daz]

I think Stroustrup says in his main book that there are maybe too many
implicit conversions in C++.
By chance I've just put together a sort of quiz on the topic at
http://www-h.eng.cam.ac.uk/help/tpl/languages/C++/strongtyping.html
Slightly heavier stuff is at
http://www-h.eng.cam.ac.uk/help/tpl/languages/C++/casting.html

Thanks for that Tim! I have also gone back a page on the website and
found a whole wealth of useful stuff. Very much appreciated.

 

[Daz]

The best starting point I know if is Appendix 6 in K&R's book on p 197 which
discusses conversions and promotions. Casting is something you do when the
things discussed there do not cover the case at hand.

My text book collection is getting bigger by the day. Sooner or later I
will have the ultimate collection! Thanks osmium