Thread: Pointing to derived class

  1. #1
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    Pointing to derived class

    Point is the base class and ThreeD is the derived class. I would like to create a new object dynamically from the derived class via the following code:

    Code:
    int main()
    {
    	Point *ptr = new ThreeD();
    	(*ptr).setXY(1,1); //base member function
    	(*ptr).setZ(1); //derived member function
    	(*ptr).display(); //polymorphic function
    
    	return 0;
    }
    The problem is that setZ(), a member function of the derived class, is unable to be called. Apparently the class created is that of the base class. What did I do wrong? Why isn't the object of the derived class?

  2. #2
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    The object is of type derived class. The problem is that ptr is a pointer to Point, so only member functions of Point can be called for that object.

    In effect, the initialisation of "Pointer ptr = new ThreeD()" tells the compiler that you only want to call Point's member functions on the ThreeD object. If ThreeD supports operations that Point doesn't, then those operations cannot be used on the object.

    From a design perspective, a point with three coordinates (X,Y,Z) is not a point in two-dimensional space unless Z is zero, so your derivation is invalid.

    Incidentally, (*ptr).setXY(1,1) is more usually written as ptr->setXY(1,1). Yes, they are equivalent: that is the way the -> operator is specified.
    Last edited by grumpy; 04-16-2011 at 01:16 AM.
    Right 98% of the time, and don't care about the other 3%.

    If I seem grumpy or unhelpful in reply to you, or tell you you need to demonstrate more effort before you can expect help, it is likely you deserve it. Suck it up, Buttercup, and read this, this, and this before posting again.

  3. #3
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    I see, so instead I should have written "ThreeD ptr = new ThreeD()" instead?

    Got it to work, thanks!

    By the way, is there any difference writing ThreeD() and ThreeD for the object class?
    Last edited by 843; 04-16-2011 at 02:14 AM.

  4. #4
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    That really depends what you're trying to achieve (which you haven't specified) but it's one option. (You left out an asterix though - this is C++, not Java).

    Don't forget, if you use operator new, it is generally a good idea to release the object (when you no longer need the object) with a "delete ptr;"
    Right 98% of the time, and don't care about the other 3%.

    If I seem grumpy or unhelpful in reply to you, or tell you you need to demonstrate more effort before you can expect help, it is likely you deserve it. Suck it up, Buttercup, and read this, this, and this before posting again.

  5. #5
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    Smart pointers are even better: SourceForge.net: Raw pointer issues - cpwiki
    Quote Originally Posted by Adak View Post
    io.h certainly IS included in some modern compilers. It is no longer part of the standard for C, but it is nevertheless, included in the very latest Pelles C versions.
    Quote Originally Posted by Salem View Post
    You mean it's included as a crutch to help ancient programmers limp along without them having to relearn too much.

    Outside of your DOS world, your header file is meaningless.

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