Specific Case of Overloading the = operator in C++

Question

How would I overload the = operator in a way that I could execute

int someInt;
MyClass instanceOfMyClass;
someInt = instanceOfMyClass;

Where MyClass contains an integer named number?

If you want it to be that transparent, how about a conversion operator? — Qaz
– Qaz, Commented Mar 29, 2013 at 5:21

sh03 · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-29 05:43:55Z

2

You can't overload the operator= for the type int. What you are really looking for is the conversion operator operator int() for your MyClass. In your case, considering x to be the private member of your class:

operator int() { return x; }

answered Mar 29, 2013 at 5:43

sh03

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Comments

Jeremy Roman · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-29 05:24:12Z

0

I would avoid doing this in most cases as it can be difficult to tell what exactly is happening. That said:

class MyClass {
 public:
  operator int() { return number; }

 private:
  int number;
};

This creates an (implicit) conversion operator for your class.

answered Mar 29, 2013 at 5:24

Jeremy Roman

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2 Comments

Alidaco Over a year ago

The only reason I'm doing it with this class is because the class is a random number generator. The integer of the class is the actual random number.

Jeremy Roman Over a year ago

Why not use a normal method? NextRandomNumber() or something? It's possible doing this will obscure what the call does for no real benefit other than feeling clever.

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