How to set variable name as a string? c++ [duplicate]

Question

std::string VariableName = "name";
int (VariableNameHere) = 5;

From my understanding of c++ what I am asking is most likely impossible. If it is please post possible alternative solutions. Thanks!

It's possible with macros but the name still must be known at compile time. — 0x5453
– 0x5453, Commented Jan 8, 2018 at 22:34
You could use a std::unordered_map<string, int> and then do mymap[VariableName] = 5; — Gillespie
– Gillespie, Commented Jan 8, 2018 at 22:36
Alternatively #define VariableName name and then int VariableName = 5;, which relies on the preprocessor. But, since I abhor the preprocessor, please don't do that. — Eljay
– Eljay, Commented Jan 8, 2018 at 22:45
Solutions to what? What are you actually trying to accomplish with this approach? Why do you need a variable whose name is defined in another variable? — Beta
– Beta, Commented Jan 9, 2018 at 0:04

SoronelHaetir · Accepted Answer · 2018-01-08 22:39:25Z

4

As you have it is not possible, you would need to have some kind of look-up system, such as:

std::map<std::string, int> variables;
...
variables["name"] = 5;

answered Jan 8, 2018 at 22:39

SoronelHaetir

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1 Comment

Using regular data structures rather than variables with special, magical names is always better.