[boost] Re: static_cast and const

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2004-09-20 19:37:43

"Ben Hutchings" <ben.hutchings_at_[hidden]> writes:

> Jonathan Turkanis <technews_at_[hidden]> wrote:
>> "David Abrahams" <dave_at_[hidden]> wrote in message
>> news:umzzl3pvk.fsf_at_boost-consulting.com...
>> > Richard Hadsell <hadsell_at_[hidden]> writes:
>> >
>> > > Jonathan Turkanis wrote:
>> > >
>> > >>When I was writing it I initially typed 'const_cast', but then
>> > >>thought to myself: why use my big guns if I don't have to?  ;-)
>> > >>
>> > > For clarity -- to tell the reader that you intended to modify the
>> > > const-ness.
>> >
>> > static_cast is a bigger gun than const_cast.  At least const_cast
>> > cant violate data layout, and unless there is actually a constant
>> > object, won't result in undefined behavior.
>> 
>> Good point. I guess part of the reason I avoid const_cast whenever
>> possible is that people look upon it suspiciously, even if it's only
>> adding cv-qualification. Maybe people should be more suspicious of 
>> static_cast.
>
> If you want to make an implicit conversion explicit, use
> boost::implicit_cast.

That's the right answer.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
http://www.boost-consulting.com