Array of base abstract class containing children class in C++

Question

so I have a Top class, let say:

//Top.h
#pragma once
#include 
using std::string;

class Top
{
    protected:
        string name;
    public:
             


        

Answer 1

yes. You could do it this way.

Top* array[3] = { new Top(parms), new MiddleA(params), new MiddleB(params) };

but you will be only able to call GetName() function. You wouldnt be able to call other methods.

Answer 2

Use the pointers and arrays of C++:

typedef std::array<std::unique_ptr<Top>,3> Tops;
Tops tops =
{{
    new MiddleA( "Kuku", 1337 ),
    new MiddleB( "Hoi", 42.0 ),
    new MiddleC()
}};

Only thing you have to have virtual destructor on your Top. Without virtual destructor you may only use shared_ptr, others will result with undefined behavior when objects are destroyed.