Is this downcast undefined behaviour? - c++

I am trying to extend std::map's std::pair entries with some extra functionality and want to cast such pairs to a child class of pair. Note that this is the "wrong" direction of polymorphism, the child is not the parent. But since the memory layout should be identical as long as I am not introducing additional members in the child class, I am wondering if this is valid.
Here is a minimal example:
#include <iostream>
#include <map>
#include <string>
class Concatenator : public std::pair<const std::string, std::string> {
public:
operator std::string() const { return first + ", " + second; }
};
int main() {
std::map<std::string, std::string> m{{"hello", "world"}};
// Is this defined behaviour?
Concatenator &c{*static_cast<Concatenator *>(&*m.begin())};
std::cout << std::string{c} << std::endl;
}

But since the memory layout should be identical as long as I am not introducing additional members in the child class...
No, that's wrong. That is undefined behavior.
Even without multiple inheritance, there is no guarantee that the memory layout is identical. Even if the memory layout was identical, then it is still undefined behavior. Do not do this.

I think this is well defined:
#include <iostream>
#include <map>
#include <string>
class Concatenator : public std::pair<const std::string, std::string> {
public:
using base = std::pair<const std::string, std::string>;
Concatenator(const base& o) : base(o) {}
operator std::string() const { return first + ", " + second; }
};
int main() {
std::map<std::string, std::string> m{{"hello", "world"}};
Concatenator c = *m.begin();
std::cout << std::string{c} << std::endl;
}

Related

Use of incomplete types with std::variant

Suppose I have next code, that is used for simply storing reference/pointer to objects of types A, B or C. I actually don't need complete types.
Now i have the following solution, where I need a lot of #include bloat.
Header:
using MyVariant = std::variant<class A, class B, class C, ...>;
class Holder {
public:
Holder(MyVariant &&TheValue);
const MyVariant &GetValue();
private:
std::unique_ptr<MyVariant> Value;
};
Source file:
#include "A.hpp"
#include "B.hpp"
#include "C.hpp"
Holder::Holder(MyVariant &&TheValue)
: Value(std::make_unique<MyVariant>(std::move(TheValue)) {}
const MyVariant &Holder::GetValue { return Value; }
How I can implement the same semantics without all instantiated types as std::variant template parameters / dynamic memory allocation / dynamic polymorphism?
As others have pointed out the specifications seem a little contradicting.
I can only think of variable template arguments, to achieve not having to specify all possible classes for the Holder class.
Example
#include <iostream>
#include <memory>
#include <variant>
// h
template<typename ...T>
class Holder {
using variant = std::variant<T...>;
public:
Holder(variant &&TheValue)
:Value(std::make_unique<variant>(std::move(TheValue)))
{
};
template<typename TARGET>
const TARGET &GetValue() const {
return std::get<TARGET>(*Value);
};
private:
std::unique_ptr<variant> Value;
};
// main.cpp testing
int main() {
auto a = Holder<int, float>(5);
const auto v = a.GetValue<int>();
std::cout << "holding int: " << v << std::endl;
a = Holder<int, float>(5.5f);
const auto v2 = a.GetValue<float>();
std::cout << "holding float: " << v2 << std::endl;
}
I think at that point it looks like a rather redundant class though.

How to make a C++ map with class as value with a constructor

I have a class that has a constructor. I now need to make a map with it as a value how do I do this? Right now without a constructor I do.
#include <iostream>
#include <map>
using namespace std;
class testclass {
public:
int x = 1;
};
int main()
{
map<int,testclass> thismap;
testclass &x = thismap[2];
}
If I added a constructor with arguments how would I add them to the map? I basically need to do
#include <iostream>
#include <map>
using namespace std;
class testclass {
public:
int x = 1;
testclass(int arg) {
x = arg;
}
};
int main()
{
map<int,testclass> thismap;
testclass &x = thismap[2];
}
This obviously wouldn't work since it requires an argument but I can't figure a way of doing this.
This is how you can add items of your own class to your map.
Note : I used a string in testclass to better show difference
between key and value/class.
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
#include <map>
class testclass
{
public:
explicit testclass(const std::string& name) :
m_name{ name }
{
};
const std::string& name() const
{
return m_name;
}
private:
std::string m_name;
};
int main()
{
std::map<int, testclass> mymap;
// emplace will call constructor of testclass with "one", and "two"
// and efficiently place the newly constructed object in the map
mymap.emplace(1, "one");
mymap.emplace(2, "two");
std::cout << mymap.at(1).name() << std::endl;
std::cout << mymap.at(2).name() << std::endl;
}
Using std::map::operator[] requires that the mapped type is default-constructible, since it must be able to construct an element if one doesn't already exist.
If your mapped type is not default-constructible, you can add elements with std::map::emplace, but you still can't use std::map::operator[] to search, you will need to use std::map::find() or so.
That's a rather obvious feature of std::map (and very similar other std containers). Some of their operations require specific type requirements for good reasons.
There is no problem to create such a map as you suggest in the first place, however, you are restricted to method calls that do not require potential default construction. The operator[] is such a method, since in the case the element is not found, it is created. That is what does not work in your example. Just use other methods with little impact on the map usage and you can still succeed:
#include <iostream>
#include <map>
using namespace std;
class testclass {
public:
int x = 1;
testclass(int arg) {
x = arg;
}
};
int main()
{
map<int,testclass> thismap;
thismap.insert( {2, testclass(5)} );
auto element2 = thismap.find(2);
if (element2 != thismap.end()) {
testclass& thiselement = element2->second;
cout << "element 2 found in map, value=" << thiselement.x << endl;
}
auto element5 = thismap.find(5);
if (element5 == thismap.end()) {
cout << "no element with key 5 in thismap. Error handling." << endl;
}
}
Main issue: avoid operator[].
Note:
Looking at the other very good answers, there are a lot of methods that can be used without default construction. There is not "right" or "wrong" since this simply depends on your application. at and emplace are prime examples that are highly advisable.

How to Initialize a vector<typeinfo>?

I am able to do this:
std::vector<int> vec = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 };
But I am not able to do this:
std::vector<const type_info&> ClassBlackList = { typeid(Class1), typeid(Class2) };
compiler says pointer to reference is illegal
or
std::vector<const type_info> ClassBlackList = { typeid(Class1), typeid(Class2) };
compiler says Error C2338 The C++ Standard forbids containers of const elements because allocator is ill-formed.
or
std::vector<type_info> ClassBlackList = { typeid(Class1), typeid(Class2) };
Compiler says:
Error C2280 'type_info::type_info(const type_info &)': attempting to reference a deleted function
I am able not able to do push_back either.
What is the solution to have a vector or list of type_info?
You can use pointers
std::vector<const std::type_info*> v = { &typeid(Class1), &typeid(Class2) };
This is valid because typeid returns a reference to an object with static storage duration.
You cannot have a vector of references, for several fundamental reasons. C++ simply does not work this way. You can, however, employ std::reference_wrapper to get pretty much the same result:
#include <functional>
#include <vector>
#include <typeinfo>
class A {
};
int main()
{
std::vector<std::reference_wrapper<const std::type_info>> avec;
auto &t=typeid(A);
avec.push_back(t);
const std::type_info &i=avec[0];
return 0;
}
You can't have arrays of references so you could wrap them in std::reference_wrappers:
#include <functional>
#include <typeinfo>
#include <vector>
std::vector<std::reference_wrapper<const std::type_info>> ClassBlackList = {
typeid(Class1),
typeid(Class2)
};
The name ClassBlackList implies that you will search it a lot and also that the elements in the list are to be unique. In that case, you may want to use a std::set instead.
Example:
#include <functional>
#include <iostream>
#include <typeinfo>
#include <set>
struct Class1 {};
struct Class2 {};
struct Class3 {};
struct comp { // a functor to compare reference wrapped type_info's
std::size_t operator()(const std::reference_wrapper<const std::type_info>& lhs,
const std::reference_wrapper<const std::type_info>& rhs) const
{
return std::less<const std::type_info*>{}(&lhs.get(), &rhs.get());
}
};
int main() {
std::set<std::reference_wrapper<const std::type_info>, comp> ClassBlackList = {
typeid(Class1),
typeid(Class2)
};
// try to insert typeid(Class3) twice, it only succeeds the first time
auto[it1, inserted1] = ClassBlackList.insert(typeid(Class3));
std::cout << "inserted: " << inserted1 << '\n';
auto[it2, inserted2] = ClassBlackList.insert(typeid(Class3));
std::cout << "inserted: " << inserted2 << '\n';
}
Output:
inserted: 1
inserted: 0

Can I use lambda as a hashing function in boost::multi_index hash-like interface?

Is it possible to use lambda for hashing in hashed_<non>_unique interface for boost::multi_index?
See this example: https://godbolt.org/z/1voof3
I also saw this: How to use lambda function as hash function in unordered_map? where the answer says:
You need to pass lambda object to unordered_map constructor since lambda types are not default constructible.
and I'm not sure is it even possible to do for the given example on godbolt.
Starting with C++20, yes, you can: https://godbolt.org/z/fTbzPP (note f is declared as auto const hash_f, without a &).
As for #sehe's claim that multi_index_containers can't be passed instances of hash objects (or other intervening function objects) at construction time, the claim is incorrect: they can, although the interface is somewhat complicated:
Live Coliru Demo
#include <boost/multi_index_container.hpp>
#include <boost/multi_index/hashed_index.hpp>
#include <boost/multi_index/identity.hpp>
#include <functional>
struct non_default_ctble_hash
{
non_default_ctble_hash(std::size_t n):n{n}{}
template<typename T>
std::size_t operator()(const T& x){return std::hash<T>{}(x)*n;}
std::size_t n;
};
using namespace boost::multi_index;
using container=multi_index_container<
int,
indexed_by<
hashed_unique<identity<int>,non_default_ctble_hash>
>
>;
int main()
{
container::ctor_args_list cal{
{0,identity<int>{},non_default_ctble_hash{666},std::equal_to<int>{}}
};
container c(cal);
}
I don't think you can. With a standard container you would have had to supply the actual instance to the constructor. However, MultiIndex doesn't afford that:
docs
As explained in the index concepts section, indices do not have public constructors or destructors. Assignment, on the other hand, is provided. Upon construction, max_load_factor() is 1.0.
Loophole?
You can perhaps get away with a locally defined class:
auto const hash_f = [](int const& n) { return std::hash<int>()(n); };
struct HashType : decltype(hash_f) {};
using AnimalsMultiIndex = multi_index_container<
Animal, indexed_by<hashed_non_unique<
tag<animal_legs>, member<Animal, LegsType, &Animal::legs>,
HashType>>>;
AnimalsMultiIndex animals;
Which does work: c++20 required
#include <boost/multi_index/hashed_index.hpp>
#include <boost/multi_index/member.hpp>
#include <boost/multi_index/tag.hpp>
#include <boost/multi_index_container.hpp>
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace boost::multi_index;
using LegsType = int;
struct Animal {
std::string name;
LegsType legs;
};
// tags
struct animal_legs {};
int main() {
// using lambda doesn't work for hashing
auto const hash_f = [](int const& n) { return std::hash<int>()(n); };
struct HashType : decltype(hash_f) {};
using AnimalsMultiIndex = multi_index_container<
Animal, indexed_by<hashed_non_unique<
tag<animal_legs>, member<Animal, LegsType, &Animal::legs>,
HashType>>>;
AnimalsMultiIndex animals;
animals.insert({ "cat", 4 });
auto const& legs_index = animals.get<animal_legs>();
int num_of_legs = 4;
std::cout << "Number of animals that have " << num_of_legs
<< " legs is: " << legs_index.count(num_of_legs) << '\n';
}
Prints
Number of animals that have 4 legs is: 1

std::pair of strings as custom key of unordered_map defined in std fails with template errors

I have a map defined and used like this
// def.h
struct X{};
struct Y{};
struct myStruct
{
X x;
Y y;
};
typedef std::unordered_map<std::pair<std::string, std::string>, myStruct> myMap;
namespace std
{
template<> struct pair<std::string, std::string>
{
std::string s1,s2;
pair(const std::string& a, const std::string& b):s1(a),s2(b){}
bool operator < (const pair<std::string,std::string>& r)
{
return (0 < r.s1.compare(s1) && (0 < r.s2.compare(s2)));
}
};
}
//use.cpp
class CUse
{
myMap m;
public:
CUse():m(0){}
};
Some errors emitted by the compiler are extracted as below
At the constructor CUse initialization,
note: see reference to function template instantiation
'std::unordered_map,myStruct,std::hash<_Kty>,std::equal_to<_Kty>,std::allocator>>::unordered_map(unsigned __int64)' being compiled
At the declaration of m in CUse
note: see reference to class template instantiation
'std::unordered_map,myStruct,std::hash<_Kty>,std::equal_to<_Kty>,std::allocator>>' being compiled
As #Bo Persson and #Sean Cline mentioned in the comments, you will need to use a custom hash function/functor to do that.
LIVE DEMO
#include <unordered_map>
#include <string>
#include <tuple>
#include <functional>
#include <cstddef>
#include <iostream>
struct myStruct { int x, y; };
using Key = std::pair<std::string, std::string>;
namespace something
{
struct Compare //custom hash function/functor
{
std::size_t operator()(const Key& string_pair) const
{
// just to demonstrate the comparison.
return std::hash<std::string>{}(string_pair.first) ^
std::hash<std::string>{}(string_pair.second);
}
};
}
using myMap = std::unordered_map<Key, myStruct, something::Compare>;
int main()
{
myMap mp =
{
{ { "name1", "name2" },{ 3,4 } },
{ { "aame1", "name2" },{ 8,4 } },
{ std::make_pair("fame1", "name2"),{ 2,4 } }, // or make pair
{ std::make_pair("fame1", "bame2"),{ 1,2 } }
};
for(const auto& it: mp)
{
std::cout << it.first.first << " " << it.first.second << " "
<< it.second.x << " " << it.second.y << std::endl;
}
return 0;
}
However, every symmetric pair will make almost same hashes and that can cause,
hash collisions and thereby less performance. Nevertheless, additional specializations for std::pair to compose hashes are available in boost.hash
An alternative solution, could be using std::map<>. There you can also specify the custom function/functor for the std::pair, in order to achieve the same map structure. Even though there you will not have to face hash-collisions, that would be well sorted which you might not want.
LIVE DEMO
#include <map>
#include <string>
#include <tuple>
#include <iostream>
struct myStruct { int x, y; };
using Key = std::pair<std::string, std::string>;
namespace something
{
struct Compare
{
bool operator()(const Key& lhs, const Key& rhs) const
{
// do the required comparison here
return std::tie(lhs.first, lhs.second) < std::tie(rhs.first, rhs.second);
}
};
}
using myMap = std::map<Key, myStruct, something::Compare>;
could you tell me why it is not good to use my data type in std ? My
type is defined in my own program anyway.
You shouldn't make it under the namespace of std, because it can cause a UB. A well defined situations/exceptions where you can extend std namespace are given here: https://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/language/extending_std
Answer to the secondary question:
Thank you but could you tell me why it is not good to use my data type in std ? My type is defined in my own program anyway
You feel that you can define whatever you want in your program, right? (That is the impression you gave, at least.) Well, C++ implementations feel the same way about namespace std -- it is their namespace and they can define whatever they want in it (subject to the C++ standard, of course).
If an implementation needs to define a (possibly undocumented) helper function/class/whatever, the expectation is that it can be placed in namespace std without conflicting with your program. Case in point: what would happen to your program if your C++ library decided that it needed to define a specialization of the std::pair template for std::pair<std::string, std::string>? To my knowledge, the standard neither requires nor prohibits such a specialization, so the existence of it is left to the implementor's discretion.
Namespaces exist to prevent naming conflicts. In particular, namespace std exists to isolate C++ implementation details from user programs. Adding your code to namespace std destroys that isolation, hence the standard declares it undefined behavior. Don't do it.
(That being said, there is nothing stopping you from writing a wrapper class around std::pair<std::string, std::string> to get the functionality you need. Just do it in your own namespace.)
You need to define a specialization of std::hash for your key type, like so:
#include <unordered_map>
#include <string>
using KeyType = std::pair<std::string, std::string>;
namespace std
{
template<>
struct hash<KeyType>
{
size_t operator()(KeyType const& kt) const
{
size_t hash = 0;
hash_combine(hash, kt.first);
hash_combine(hash, kt.second);
return hash;
}
// taken from boost::hash_combine:
// https://www.boost.org/doc/libs/1_55_0/doc/html/hash/reference.html#boost.hash_combine
template <class T>
inline static void hash_combine(std::size_t& seed, const T& v)
{
std::hash<T> hasher;
seed ^= hasher(v) + 0x9e3779b9 + (seed<<6) + (seed>>2);
}
};
}
int main()
{
std::unordered_map<KeyType, int> us;
return 0;
}