Re: [boost] Array support [was SmartPtr (Loki) - auto_ptr/move c'tor issue]

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-02-02 16:18:38

Beman Dawes <bdawes_at_[hidden]> writes:

> Here is the problem:
>
>     If T is not an array, the interface must supply:
>
>         T& operator*() const;
>         T* operator->() const;
>
>     If T is an array && conversion to T* is not desired, the
>     interface must supply:
>
>         T& operator[](size_t i) const;
>
>     If conversion to T* is desired, the interface must supply:
>
>         operator T*() const;
>
> In other words, there are four interface combinations:
>
>     When T is not an array && conversion to T* is not desired:
>
>         T& operator*() const;
>         T* operator->() const;
>
>     When T is not an array && conversion to T* is desired:
>
>         T& operator*() const;
>         T* operator->() const;
>         operator T*() const;
>
>     When T is an array && conversion to T* is not desired:
>
>         T& operator[](size_t i) const;
>
>     When T is an array && conversion to T* is desired:
>
>         operator T*() const;

Why can't operator T*() and operator[](size_t) coexist?

-- 
                       David Abrahams
   dave_at_[hidden] * http://www.boost-consulting.com
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