CPP06

Project Overview

This project explores different types of C++ casts and type conversions. It consists of three exercises that demonstrate scalar type conversion, serialization, and type identification using dynamic casting.

The project focuses on:

• C++ Casts: Understanding and implementing different casting mechanisms
• Type Conversion: Converting between scalar types (char, int, float, double)
• Serialization: Converting pointers to integers and back
• Runtime Type Identification: Using dynamic_cast to identify object types

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Exercise 00: Conversion of Scalar Types

A ScalarConverter class that converts string representations to different scalar types.

Features:

• Converts input to char, int, float, and double
• Handles special cases (nan, inf, -inf)
• Detects impossible conversions
• Uses static methods (non-instantiable class)

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Exercise 01: Serialization

A Serializer class that demonstrates pointer serialization/deserialization.

Features:

• Converts pointer to uintptr_t (serialize)
• Converts uintptr_t back to pointer (deserialize)
• Uses reinterpret_cast for type conversion
• Non-instantiable class with static methods

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Exercise 02: Identify Real Type

Type identification system using polymorphism and dynamic_cast.

Features:

• Base class with virtual destructor
• Three derived classes (A, B, C)
• Random object generation
• Type identification by pointer and reference
• Uses dynamic_cast for safe downcasting

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Key Concepts Demonstrated

1. Static Cast vs Dynamic Cast

• Static Cast: Compile-time type conversion
• Dynamic Cast: Runtime type checking with polymorphic classes

2. Reinterpret Cast

• Low-level casting between unrelated types
• Used for pointer-to-integer conversions

3. Type Safety

• Proper error handling for invalid conversions
• Safe downcasting with dynamic_cast

4. Non-instantiable Classes

• Pure virtual destructors
• Static-only interfaces

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Learning Objectives

• Understand different C++ casting operators
• Learn about type conversion and safety
• Practice with static class design
• Explore runtime type identification
• Handle edge cases in type conversions