C++ Faq

[salman83]

Hi all,

I was reading a very old book called C++ FAQ. In reading about the constness of an object. I come across this question

"Does const apply to the object's bitwise state or its abstract state?"

In this question, what is bitwise state and abstract state or observable state.

Thanks in advance.

[Lindley]

It means that two objects could be logically identical but not have precisely the same bit pattern in memory. Essentially, it means that you need operator== because memcmp() isn't good enough.

[laserlight]

Perhaps this answer to the FAQ What is a "const member function"? would help you understand. In particular, take note of the last paragraph.