I need to implement read-only access to a private member container. If I return a constant reference is it possible to const_cast it and obtain a full access to the member? What’s the technique to be used?
Thanks.
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I need to implement read-only access to a private member container. If I return a constant reference is it possible to const_cast it and obtain a full access to the member? What’s the technique to be used?
Thanks.
Returning a const & is a sensible thing to do in many circumstances, particularly if the object being returned is large or cannot be copied.
Regarding the const_cast, remember the ‘private’ access specifier in C++ is there as an aid to the programmer – it is not intended to be a security measure. If someone wants access to an object’s private members, it can get them, no matter what you try to do to prevent it.