C++ functions with variable number of arguments
Author
Sorry about the vague subject, but I didn't really know how to say it. Basically, you know how there are functions like printf, which can take different numbers of arguments, ranging from 2 to (I don't know how many). I was wondering how (if it's possible) could you create a function like this.
Thanks,
Harry
Here are a couple of relevant links:
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For more information, Google 'varargs', 'stdarg', and/or 'cstdarg'.
You might also consider telling us a) whether you're programming in C or C++, and b) why you need a variadic function. Depending on the nature of the problem, someone may be able to recommend a better solution than using C's variable argument list functionality.
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For more information, Google 'varargs', 'stdarg', and/or 'cstdarg'.
You might also consider telling us a) whether you're programming in C or C++, and b) why you need a variadic function. Depending on the nature of the problem, someone may be able to recommend a better solution than using C's variable argument list functionality.
Short answer: you don't. These functions interact badly with types (and, in particular, are not type-safe). The preferred alternative is to use operator chaining to achieve the same effect, because:
See boost::format for an example.
Longer answer: variadic functions are a "feature" of the C standard library, parts of which were included in C++ for legacy reasons.
- It's easier to understand and use.
- There are less pitfalls.
- It's type-safe.
- It handles pass-by-reference and temporary values correctly.
- It's easily extensible.
See boost::format for an example.
Longer answer: variadic functions are a "feature" of the C standard library, parts of which were included in C++ for legacy reasons.
Author
Ok, thanks for both the answers and the links.
To answer the questions, a) C++, b) curiosity.
That's all I really needed, and thanks for telling me it's not good practice to use them before I went off to find some unnecessary use for them in a game or something!
To answer the questions, a) C++, b) curiosity.
That's all I really needed, and thanks for telling me it's not good practice to use them before I went off to find some unnecessary use for them in a game or something!
This topic is closed to new replies.
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