Cast
Converts an expression to a specified data type
Syntax
`
Cast( datatype, expression )
`
Description
Converts `expression` into a different `datatype`. Useful to be used in macros when `datatype` is unknown and also when converting to Type Alias.
Note: this is a general form of conversion operators such as `CInt` or `CDbl`. They are more versatile because they can be used on types that have a `Cast Operator`, but don't have a built-in keyword for it. e.g. `Cast( my_type, expr)`. They are also suitable for use in cases where the type of a variable is not fixed in the code - for example, it might be `Define`d earlier, or may be the `Type Of` a different variable or expression.
Note: If you want to use an operator specifically for converting to different types of `Pointer`s, consider using `CPtr` instead.
Example
`
'' will print -128 because the integer literal will be converted to a signed Byte
'' (this Casting operation is equivalent to using CByte)
Print Cast( Byte, &h0080 )
'' will print 3 because the floating-point value will be converted to an Integer
'' (this Casting operator is equivalent to using CInt)
Print Cast( Integer, 3.1 )
`
Dialect Differences

- Not available in the -lang qb dialect unless referenced with the alias `__Cast`.

Differences from QB

- New to FreeBASIC

See also

- `CPtr`
- `CInt`
- `TypeOf`