473,657 Members | 2,524 Online
Bytes | Software Development & Data Engineering Community
+ Post

Home Posts Topics Members FAQ

polymorphism in c


Dear all,

I wonder whether it is possible to simulate simple polymorphism in C?
I explain what I would like to do. I have defined several structures
mapping different header formats. They all have the same size but have
different fields.
So I have something like struct header1, header2 and so on. Now my
question is how would you define/create an array that can contains
pointers to header1, header2 and so on?
Sincerely,
Patrick

Nov 14 '05 #1
1 1116
Patrick Guio <pa*****@fys.ui o.no> wrote:
I wonder whether it is possible to simulate simple polymorphism in C?
I explain what I would like to do. I have defined several structures
mapping different header formats. They all have the same size but have
different fields.
So I have something like struct header1, header2 and so on. Now my
question is how would you define/create an array that can contains
pointers to header1, header2 and so on?


Porbably the best solution would be to use a union (in your case, an
array of unions). Then your main worry would be to determine which kind
of struct any one union currently contains, which can easily be solved
by adding a type member as the first member of each struct.

Richard
Nov 14 '05 #2

This thread has been closed and replies have been disabled. Please start a new discussion.

Similar topics

37
2824
by: Mike Meng | last post by:
hi all, I'm a newbie Python programmer with a C++ brain inside. I have a lightweight framework in which I design a base class and expect user to extend. In other part of the framework, I heavily use the instance of this base class (or its children class). How can I ensure the instance IS-A base class instance, since Python is a fully dynamic typing language? I searched and found several different ways to do this:
18
12580
by: Ken | last post by:
Hi. Can anyone refer me to any articles about the compatibility between c++ polymorphism and real-time programming? I'm currently on a real-time c++ project, and we're having a discussion about whether we should allow polymorphism. Our system is not embedded and does not need to be as real-time as, say, a pacemaker. But it does involve updating displays based on radar input. So a need for something close to real-time is desired...
3
7437
by: E. Robert Tisdale | last post by:
polymorph just means "many form(s)". The definition in plain English http://www.bartleby.com/61/66/P0426600.html and narrower definitions in the context of computer programming http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymorphism http://wombat.doc.ic.ac.uk/foldoc/foldoc.cgi?query=polymorphism&action=Search
11
5090
by: richard pickworth | last post by:
Can anyone explain polymorphism?(very simply). thanks richard
4
7390
by: LP | last post by:
Hi, I understand the concept/definition of polymorphism. But what does the term "runtime polymorphism" mean? I was asked to define it during a technical interview. I gave a guy vanilla definition of polymorphism, but he insisted on runtime. Did I miss a new buzzword while I was sick with the flu last week or something like that?
13
14609
by: Krivenok Dmitry | last post by:
Hello all! Perhaps the most important feature of dynamic polymorphism is ability to handle heterogeneous collections of objects. ("C++ Templates: The Complete Guide" by David Vandevoorde and Nicolai M. Josuttis. Chapter 14.) How to implement analogue of this technique via static polymorphism? Perhaps there is special design pattern for this purpose...
18
3849
by: Seigfried | last post by:
I have to write a paper about object oriented programming and I'm doing some reading to make sure I understand it. In a book I'm reading, however, polymorphism is defined as: "the ability of two different objects to respond to the same request message in their own unique way" I thought that it was: "the ability of same object to respond to different messages in
2
3383
by: sarathy | last post by:
Hi all, I need a small clarification reg. Templates and Polymorphism. I believe templates is really a good feature, which can be used to implement generic functions and classes. But i doubt whether it should not be used in certain cases. Consider the case when all the params to a template function/class are similar. My questions is that whatever can be acheived by a template in such a case, can be acheived by runtime polymorphism....
11
2963
by: chsalvia | last post by:
I've been programming in C++ for a little over 2 years, and I still find myself wondering when I should use polymorphism. Some people claim that polymorphism is such an integral part of C++, that anybody who doesn't use it might as well just program in plain C. I totally disagree with this, because I think C++ has a lot of great features apart from polymorphism, such as the ability to organize code into classes, code reuse through...
17
3868
by: Bart Friederichs | last post by:
Hello, I created the following inheritance: class Parent { public: void foo(int i); }; class Child : public Parent {
1
8513
by: Hystou | last post by:
Overview: Windows 11 and 10 have less user interface control over operating system update behaviour than previous versions of Windows. In Windows 11 and 10, there is no way to turn off the Windows Update option using the Control Panel or Settings app; it automatically checks for updates and installs any it finds, whether you like it or not. For most users, this new feature is actually very convenient. If you want to control the update process,...
0
8617
tracyyun
by: tracyyun | last post by:
Dear forum friends, With the development of smart home technology, a variety of wireless communication protocols have appeared on the market, such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Each protocol has its own unique characteristics and advantages, but as a user who is planning to build a smart home system, I am a bit confused by the choice of these technologies. I'm particularly interested in Zigbee because I've heard it does some...
0
7352
agi2029
by: agi2029 | last post by:
Let's talk about the concept of autonomous AI software engineers and no-code agents. These AIs are designed to manage the entire lifecycle of a software development project—planning, coding, testing, and deployment—without human intervention. Imagine an AI that can take a project description, break it down, write the code, debug it, and then launch it, all on its own.... Now, this would greatly impact the work of software developers. The idea...
0
5642
by: conductexam | last post by:
I have .net C# application in which I am extracting data from word file and save it in database particularly. To store word all data as it is I am converting the whole word file firstly in HTML and then checking html paragraph one by one. At the time of converting from word file to html my equations which are in the word document file was convert into image. Globals.ThisAddIn.Application.ActiveDocument.Select();...
0
4173
by: TSSRALBI | last post by:
Hello I'm a network technician in training and I need your help. I am currently learning how to create and manage the different types of VPNs and I have a question about LAN-to-LAN VPNs. The last exercise I practiced was to create a LAN-to-LAN VPN between two Pfsense firewalls, by using IPSEC protocols. I succeeded, with both firewalls in the same network. But I'm wondering if it's possible to do the same thing, with 2 Pfsense firewalls...
0
4330
by: adsilva | last post by:
A Windows Forms form does not have the event Unload, like VB6. What one acts like?
1
2742
by: 6302768590 | last post by:
Hai team i want code for transfer the data from one system to another through IP address by using C# our system has to for every 5mins then we have to update the data what the data is updated we have to send another system
2
1970
muto222
by: muto222 | last post by:
How can i add a mobile payment intergratation into php mysql website.
2
1733
bsmnconsultancy
by: bsmnconsultancy | last post by:
In today's digital era, a well-designed website is crucial for businesses looking to succeed. Whether you're a small business owner or a large corporation in Toronto, having a strong online presence can significantly impact your brand's success. BSMN Consultancy, a leader in Website Development in Toronto offers valuable insights into creating effective websites that not only look great but also perform exceptionally well. In this comprehensive...

By using Bytes.com and it's services, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

To disable or enable advertisements and analytics tracking please visit the manage ads & tracking page.