devxlogo

Unconsting a const Variable

There are two types of const data storage: true const and contractual const.

   const int cn = 5; // true const

A contractual const variable is a non-const one, which is treated as though it were const:

   void ReadValue(const int& num){    cout<

When a true const variable is explicitly cast to a non-const one, the result of an attempt to change it is undefined. This is because an implementation may store true const data in the read-only memory (using an explicit cast to remove constness does not change the physical memory properties of a variable). For example:

   const int cnum = 0; //true const, may be stored in the machine's ROM  const int * pci = &cnum;   int *pi  = const_cast (pci);     // brute force attempt to unconst a variable  *pi = 2;    // undefined, an attempt to modify a true const variable through a pointer

On the other hand, casting away contractual constness of a variable enables you to change its value:

   int num = 0;  const int * pci = #  // *pci is a contractual const int  int *pi  = const_cast (pci);   // get rid of contractual const  *pi = 2;    // OK, modify num's value

Charlie has over a decade of experience in website administration and technology management. As the site admin, he oversees all technical aspects of running a high-traffic online platform, ensuring optimal performance, security, and user experience.

See also  Five Early Architecture Decisions That Quietly Get Expensive

About Our Editorial Process

At DevX, we’re dedicated to tech entrepreneurship. Our team closely follows industry shifts, new products, AI breakthroughs, technology trends, and funding announcements. Articles undergo thorough editing to ensure accuracy and clarity, reflecting DevX’s style and supporting entrepreneurs in the tech sphere.

See our full editorial policy.