How to return a multidimensional array?

[lucky6969b]

I have put aside C++ for a while. And I am back to it.
I forgot how to return a 2 dimensional arrays from a method?

Node** GetNodeMap() const { return m_Nodes; }

private:
	Node m_Nodes[60][60];

How can I achieve that?
Thanks
Jack

[VictorN]

Node** GetNodeMap() const { return m_Nodes; }

private:
	Node m_Nodes[60][60];

Doesn't this code work?

[lucky6969b]

Error: return value type doesn't match the function type
I don't get an error code though.
The m_Nodes is underlined. And also I have left out the const identifier as well.
Thanks
Jack

[razzle]

I don't get an error code though.

If you plan to return a pointer to the 2D array you are asking for trouble. Chances are it gets stale and there will be a much harder to find runtime bug.

The most immediate solution is to return a copy of the array.

Another solution is to place the array on the heap and access it by way of a smart pointer. Then you would return a smart pointer.

[lucky6969b]

If I return a copy of the array, this also didn't compile

Node[60][60] GetNodeMap()  { return m_Nodes; }

Nor this

Node[][] GetNodeMap()  { return m_Nodes; }

Oh. I've just completely forgotten the syntax, please kindly help.
Thanks
Jack

[2kaud]

In c++ functions can't return an array by value. You can use the array container in c++11 as in this example

class mymap {
private:
	struct Node{
		int data;
	};

public:
	typedef array < array<Node, 60>, 60 > ARRTYPE;

	ARRTYPE GetNodeMap() const
	{
		return m_Nodes;
	}

private:
	ARRTYPE m_Nodes;

};