[boost] Re: returning object vs. const reference (was Idea: Automatic Objects)

From: scleary_at_[hidden]
Date: 1999-12-29 14:08:17

I am completely convinced by your example.  There are no good alternatives
that I can think of.

However, I would like to change it to return a constant object.  This would
prevent code such as:

  // x is an auto object
  // k is a public integer data member on the function object
  x.action().k = 13;

which may lead the user to believe that he has changed the value of x's
function object, when in fact that line of code does nothing.  Returning a
constant object will not allow this code to compile.

Are there any drawbacks to returning a const object instead of an object?

        -Steve