(int) ch vs. int(ch): Are they different syntaxes for the same thing?

Question

In C++, is (int) ch equivalent to int(ch).

If not, what's the difference?

Answer 1

They are the same thing, and also the same as (int)(ch). In C++, it's generally preferred to use a named cast to clarify your intentions:

• Use static_cast to cast between primitive types of different sizes or signednesses, e.g. static_cast<char>(anInteger).
• Use dynamic_cast to downcast a base class to a derived class (polymorphic types only), e.g. dynamic_cast<Derived *>(aBasePtr).
• Use reinterpret_cast to cast between pointers of different types or between a pointer and an integer, e.g. reinterpret_cast<uintptr_t>(somePtr).
• Use const_cast to remove the const or volatile qualifiers from variables (VERY DANGEROUS), e.g. const_cast<char *>(aConstantPointer).

Answer 2

int(x) is called function-style cast by the standard and is the same as the C-style cast in every regard (for POD) [5.2.3]:

If the expression list is a single expression, the type conversion expression is equivalent (in definedness, and if defined in meaning) to the corresponding cast expression (5.4).