When Should You Use `reinterpret_cast` in C ?

When to Utilize reinterpret_cast?

In C , reinterpret_cast and static_cast are used for type conversions. However, their applicability varies. Static_cast is employed when types can be interpreted during compilation, whereas reinterpret_cast is utilized in specific scenarios.

Reinterpret_cast: A Deeper Look

Unlike static_cast, reinterpret_cast provides two additional uses:

• Converting Integer Types to Pointer Types: This is possible because reinterpret_cast treats a pointer as simply a sequence of bits.
• Converting Between Pointer Types: This is generally discouraged due to possible portability issues, but it allows for converting between different types of pointers, including pointers to functions.

Determining the Appropriate Cast

When working with C objects accessed from C code via void pointers, the choice of reinterpret_cast or static_cast depends on the compiler's implementation. However, the C standard guarantees that:

Static_Cast for Void Pointers

• Preserves the address when casting between integer pointers and void pointers, ensuring that a pointer retains its original address after the conversion.

Reinterpret_Cast for Pointers to Different Types

• While static_cast preserves the address, reinterpret_cast ensures that the original value is retained only if the pointer is cast back to its original type.

For conversions involving void pointers, static_cast is generally preferred due to its guaranteed address preservation.

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