Return type polymorphism in C-like languages

Question

Why don\'t we see C-like languages that allow for callables with polymorphism in the return type? I could see how the additional type inference would be a hurdle, but we hav

Answer 1

In C++ you can do this with classes to a large extent. For example, say I have a data type that is routinely converted to ASCII on input and output;

typedef char* pchar;

class   MyType
{
public:

 operator pchar() { return(ConvertToASCII()); }
 MyType& operator=(char* input) { ConvertFromASCII(input); return(*this); }

 pchar ConvertToASCII();
 void ConvertFromASCII(pchar ASCII);
}

This type of thing is often used in C++ frameworks. For example, have a look at the implmentation of the MFC CString class. IMHO, it is a very useful tool, albeit dangerous in certain circumstances.