C++C++14C++17C++20

What Are Integral_constant And () Operator In C++?

What Are Integral constant And Operator In C++

Modern C++ has base class features that can be used with other modern features of C++. The std::integral_constant is the base class for the C++ type traits in C++11, and in C++14, std::integral_constant gained an operator () overload to return the constant value. In this post, we explain what integral_constant and () operator are in C++14.

What is integral_constant in C++?

The std::integral_constant  is the base class for the C++ type traits in <type_traits> header that wraps a static constant of specified type. The behavior in a code part that adds specializations for std::integral_constant is undefined.

Here is the definition in <type_traits> header since C++11,

Here is a very simple example to how can we use std::integral_constant, in C++11 we can use ::value to retrieve its value,

What is the integral_constant () operator in C++?

In C++ 14, std::integral_constant gained an operator() overload to return the constant value that can be used with some other useful modern features like templates, lambdas, etc. In C++14, std::integral_constant gained an operator() overload to return the constant value. This () operator enables std::integral_constant to serve as a source of compile-time function objects.

In C++14, operator() is defined as shown below.

Here is a simple example how we can use () operator in C++14 and above.

Is there a full example of how to use integral_constant in C++?

Here is a full example about integral_constant in modern C++.

and the output will be as below:

Is there a full example of how to use the integral_constant () operator in C++?

Here is an example of the () operator of integral_constant, we define a myfactorial template struct that returns factorial value in compilation, which means there is no calculation about this operator on run time.

and the output will be as we show below.

For more details about this feature, please see https://www.open-std.org/jtc1/sc22/wg21/docs/papers/2013/n3545.pdf

What Are Integral constant And Operator In C++ C++ Builder logo

C++ Builder is the easiest and fastest C and C++ compiler and IDE for building simple or professional applications on the Windows, MacOS, iOS & Android operating systems. It is also easy for beginners to learn with its wide range of samples, tutorials, help files, and LSP support for code. RAD Studio’s C++ Builder version comes with the award-winning VCL framework for high-performance native Windows apps and the powerful FireMonkey (FMX) framework for cross-platform UIs.

There is a free C++ Builder Community Edition for students, beginners, and startups; it can be downloaded from here. For professional developers, there are Professional, Architect, or Enterprise versions of C++ Builder and there is a trial version you can download from here.

Oh hi there 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive awesome C++ content in your inbox, every day.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.


Reduce development time and get to market faster with RAD Studio, Delphi, or C++Builder.
Design. Code. Compile. Deploy.
Start Free Trial

Free C++Builder Community Edition

About author

Dr. Yilmaz Yoru has 35+ years of coding with more than 30+ programming languages, mostly C++ on Windows, Android, Mac-OS, iOS, Linux, and some other operating systems. He graduated and received his MSc and PhD degrees from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Eskisehir Osmangazi University. He is the founder and CEO of ESENJA LLC Company. His interests are Programming, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Artificial Intelligence, 2D & 3D Designs, and high-end innovations.
Related posts
C++C++11C++14C++17C++20Introduction to C++Learn C++

Learn Copy Constructors in C++ Classes

C++C++11C++14C++17Introduction to C++Learn C++Syntax

Learn How To Use Types Of Destructors In C++?

C++C++11C++14Learn C++Syntax

How To Convert u32string To A wstring In C++

C++C++11C++14C++17C++20Introduction to C++Learn C++

How To Learn The Move Constructors In Modern C++?