static cast

In C++ type conversion, the static_cast operator does an explicit type conversion.[1]

Syntax

static_cast<type> (object);

The type parameter must be a data type for which there is a known method for converting object to, whether this be a builtin or through a casting function. It can be a reference or an enumerator. All types of conversions that are well-defined and allowed by the compiler are done using static_cast.[2]

The static_cast operator can be used for operations such as

However, static_cast conversions are not necessarily safe as no run-time type check is done which can cause casting between incompatible data types, for example pointers. However, this is checked at compile time to prevent casting obvious incompatibles. Also, static_cast between pointer of a virtual base to pointer of derived is not allowed, because of the object layout model.

See also

References

  1. Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++. United States of America: Addison-Wesley. 2008. p. 594. ISBN 0321543726.
  2. Thinking in C++. United States of America: Alan Apt. 2000. p. 857. ISBN 0-13-979809-9.
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