static_cast vs dynamic_cast

Question

Suppose I\'m given a C++ library full of inheritance. I\'m given a Base* in a function when I know that it is actually pointing to a Derived object and

Answer 1

When in doubt, you should prefer dynamic_cast. It might be slower, but you probably won't notice the difference anyway.

If you need speed, use the following snippet:

template <typename Derived, typename Base>
Derived safe_static_cast(Base b)
{
  assert((void*)dynamic_cast<Derived>(b) && "safe_static_cast failed!");
  return static_cast<Derived>(b);
}

Or something equivalent.

The idea is that in debug builds, it checks that it's indeed what you thought it would be, and it release builds... well everything has already been tested, hasn't it ?

Answer 2

Use static_cast. If you know that your Base* points to a Derived, then use static_cast. dynamic_cast is useful for when it might point to a derived.

Answer 3

From MSDN -

In general you use static_cast when you want to convert numeric data types such as enums to ints or ints to floats, and you are certain of the data types involved in the conversion. static_cast conversions are not as safe as dynamic_cast conversions, because static_cast does no run-time type check, while dynamic_cast does. A dynamic_cast to an ambiguous pointer will fail, while a static_cast returns as if nothing were wrong; this can be dangerous. Although dynamic_cast conversions are safer, dynamic_cast only works on pointers or references, and the run-time type check is an overhead.

For more info, check out this link