How can I store different data types in a single C container?

How to Store Disparate Data Types in a Single C Container

In C , containers such as vectors and maps typically hold objects of a single data type. However, there are scenarios where you may want to store objects of multiple types in the same container.

To address this challenge, consider using Boost.Any. Boost.Any is a template class that can represent any data type. You can store instances of Boost.Any in a container, which allows you to hold objects of different types within the same collection.

Here's an example of how you can use Boost.Any:

<code class="cpp">#include <boost/any.hpp>
#include <vector>

int main() {
  std::vector<boost::any> myContainer;

  int x = 5;
  std::string y = "Hello";
  double z = 3.14;

  // Add objects of different types to the container
  myContainer.push_back(boost::any(x));
  myContainer.push_back(boost::any(y));
  myContainer.push_back(boost::any(z));

  // Retrieve objects from the container and cast them to their original types
  int recoveredX = boost::any_cast<int>(myContainer[0]);
  std::string recoveredY = boost::any_cast<std::string>(myContainer[1]);
  double recoveredZ = boost::any_cast<double>(myContainer[2]);

  // Use the recovered objects
  std::cout << recoveredX << std::endl;
  std::cout << recoveredY << std::endl;
  std::cout << recoveredZ << std::endl;

  return 0;
}</code>

Another option is to create a custom Union or Struct. A union allows you to store different data types in the same memory location, while a struct can hold multiple data members of different types. However, unions can have undefined behavior if the wrong member is accessed, and structs can be inefficient if only one member is actively used.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on the specific requirements and constraints of your application. Consider the pros and cons of each option to determine the most appropriate solution.

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