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CPP 9

This document discusses the use of the const keyword in C++. It notes that const can be used for function parameters and member functions to indicate that they do not modify those parameters or the class fields. For const parameters and member functions, the code cannot modify the underlying objects. The document shows an example of modifying a Queue class's Size() member function to be declared as const, and why the Dequeue() member cannot be declared as const since it modifies the class fields. The key lessons are that const functions should not modify class fields or pointed-to memory, and const helps catch unintended modifications.

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66 views

CPP 9

This document discusses the use of the const keyword in C++. It notes that const can be used for function parameters and member functions to indicate that they do not modify those parameters or the class fields. For const parameters and member functions, the code cannot modify the underlying objects. The document shows an example of modifying a Queue class's Size() member function to be declared as const, and why the Dequeue() member cannot be declared as const since it modifies the class fields. The key lessons are that const functions should not modify class fields or pointed-to memory, and const helps catch unintended modifications.

Uploaded by

api-3697260
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Using Const

• If your function does not modify


parameters, you should declare them as
Intro to C++ part 9 “const”.
• “const” parameters cannot be modified
1. Richard Watson, notes on C++
2. Winston, P.H., “On to C++”
ISBN: 0-201-58043-8

Calling Member Functions This Should Work…


• Sometimes, you need to call member • But is doesn’t compile
functions of your const parameters. • By declaring “first” and “second” as const,
• Example: max function for Queues: you promised not to modify them
Queue Max(const Queue &first, const Queue &second) { • The compiler will complain about calling
if (first.Size () > second.Size()) {
return first; “Size”
} else { • The compiler doesn’t know that “Size”
return second;
} doesn’t modify the Queue
}

Making Class Members Const • Old “Size” prototype:


/* Returns the number of elements in me */
• Class member functions can be declared int Size();

as “const”
• New “Size” prototype:
• Members declared as const cannot modify
fields of the class. /* Returns the number of elements in me */
int Size() const;
• Let’s fix our Size function!
• Definition header changes too:
int Queue::Size() const {
// Algorithm comment:
// n is the size of the queue, return it.
return n;
}

1
Can’t Go Const Crazy Dequeue Can’t Be Const
• Why not declare all functions as “const”? • Which line(s) keep this from compiling?
It would make our lives easier.
• Compiler won’t let you declare a function char Queue::Dequeue() const {
char head = contents[0];
as “const” if it modifies any field of the // shift all elements down 1 slot towards the head.
for(int i = 0; i < n-1; i++) {
class. contents[i] = contents[i+1];
}
• Example… n--; // update size <-- THIS ONE!
return head;
}

The Lesson…
• You *can* change values that are pointed- • A member function can be “const” if it
to by fields of the class. does not modify fields of the class
• An obvious way around const is to make • Should declare all such members as const
all your fields pointers • Although the compiler won’t stop you, you
• But you should not be looking for ways shouldn’t modify contents of memory that
around const. fields point to in “const” functions.
• Const is your friend!

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