CODEWITHSUNDEEP
c++operator-overloading
David Johnstone
David Johnstone

Reputation: 24450

Explain this C++ operator definition

I have the following operator defined in a C++ class called StringProxy:

operator std::string&()
{
    return m_string;
}

a) What is this and how does this work? I understand the idea of operator overloading, but they normally look like X operator+(double i).

b) Given an instance of StringProxy, how can I use this operator to get the m_string?

Upvotes: 3

Views: 532

Answers (2)

Puppy
Puppy

Reputation: 146930

It's a cast operator. They take the form of operator T() and enable casting between custom types. You can get the std::string out by simply assigning it to a regular string or reference.

Upvotes: 2

Joey Adams
Joey Adams

Reputation: 43380

This is a conversion method. To get the m_string, simply use an explicit cast: (std::string)stringProxy to perform the conversion. Depending on context (e.g. if you're assigning to a string), you may be able to do without the cast.

Upvotes: 3

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