static_cast
In C++ type conversion, the static_cast operator performs an explicit type conversion.[1]
Syntax
static_cast<type> (object);
The type parameter must be a data type to which object can be converted via a known method, whether it be a builtin or a cast. The type can be a reference or an enumerator. All types of conversions that are well-defined and allowed by the compiler are performed using static_cast.[2]
The static_cast operator can be used for operations such as:
- Converting a pointer of a base class to a pointer of a nonvirtual derived class,
- Converting numeric data types such as enums to ints or ints to floats.
Although static_cast conversions are checked at compile time to prevent obvious incompatibilities, no run-time type check is performed that would prevent a cast between incompatible data types, such as pointers. Also, the result of a static_cast from a pointer of a virtual base class to a pointer of a derived class is undefined.
See also
References
- ^ Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++. United States of America: Addison-Wesley. 2008. p. 594. ISBN 0321543726.
- ^ Thinking in C++. United States of America: Alan Apt. 2000. p. 857. ISBN 0-13-979809-9.