get all objects for a class

[dbrown]

I need to loop through all of the objects I have created for a class in order to set and/or examine the objects' variables.

I have a class:

__gc class Human
{
public:
int height;
int weight;
String *name;
};

For which I have created several objects (people)

Is there a 'for_all_objects_of(class)' type of command I can use or do I need to have a list of all objects created and run through the list with a 'for' loop?

I have tried to build a list of objects:
std::list <Human> listofhumans;

but the Visual C++ compiler says this is 'an illegal use of manged type'.

I was hoping I don't need to use a list at all, can anyone help?

[Danny]

There's no such feature in standard C++, although you can easily accomplish it by using a design patterns such as Visitor. You can also create a vector (list is a bad idea anyway because it doesn't support the subscript operator). However, STL and managed code don't go together so the real question is: do you really need to use manged C++?

[dbrown]

What's the difference between Managed C++ and the other?
Also, what is the design pattern 'Visitor'?

Could you show me how to initialize a vector of objects?

Thanks for your help

[Danny]

Originally posted by dbrown
What's the difference between Managed C++ and the other?
Also, what is the design pattern 'Visitor'?

Could you show me how to initialize a vector of objects?

Thanks for your help

Managed C++ is a non-standard, Microsoft proprietary extension to ANSI/ISO C++. One of the advantages of using MC++ is garbage collection. However, MC++ has many drawbacks. It doesn't support templates (that is why your code failed to compile) and many other standard C++ features. In short, unless you're absolutely positive that you need to use MC++, avoid it and stick to vanilla C++ (e.g., a Console Application).

You can learn how to use vector here: http://www.devx.com/DevX/LegacyLink/9396

Design Patterns are recipes for solving common programming tasks. You can find more information about Patterns here: http://www.dofactory.com/Patterns/Patterns.aspx#list

[dbrown]

Thanks Danny,

regrettable I have to stcik with the managed C++. Do you know the best direction to accomplish my list/set/vector/array of objects?

[Danny]

There are several possibilities: either use the Microsoft proprietary collection classes that are available for MC++ (I'm not familar with these but there shoudl be such classes), or write a custome collection class that works like vector. One thing's certain: you can't use STL with MC++, at least not yet.

[dbrown]

I appreciate all of your advise, Danny!

I worked out that I can use an array of struct but not an array of class so I'm all set to go.

Thanks again,
Dave