Compiler Warning (level 4) C4437

dynamic_cast from virtual base 'class1' to 'class2' could fail in some contexts Compile with /vd2 or define 'class2' with #pragma vtordisp(2) in effect

This warning is off by default. See Compiler Warnings That Are Off by Default for more information.

The compiler has encountered a dynamic_cast operation with the following characteristics.

• The cast is from a base class pointer to a derived class pointer.

• The derived class virtually inherits the base class.

• The derived class does not have a vtordisp field for the virtual base.

• The cast is not found in a constructor or destructor of the derived class, or some class which further inherits from the derived class (otherwise, compiler warning C4436 will be issued).

The warning indicates that the dynamic_cast might not perform correctly if it is operating on a partially-constructed object. This situation occurs when the enclosing function is called from a constructor or destructor of a class that inherits the derived class that is named in the warning. If the derived class that is named in the warning is never further derived, or the enclosing function is not called during object construction or destruction, the warning can be ignored.

Example

The following sample generates C4437 and demonstrates the code generation issue that arises from the missing vtordisp field.

// C4437.cpp
// To see the warning and runtime assert, compile with: /W4
// To eliminate the warning and assert, compile with: /W4 /vd2
//       or compile with: /W4 /DFIX
#pragma warning(default : 4437)
#include <cassert>

struct A
{
public:
    virtual ~A() {}
};

#if defined(FIX)
#pragma vtordisp(push, 2)
#endif
struct B : virtual A
{
    B()
    {
        func();
    }

    void func()
    {
        A* a = static_cast<A*>(this);
        B* b = dynamic_cast<B*>(a);     // C4437
        assert(this == b);              // assert unless compiled with /vd2
    }
};
#if defined(FIX)
#pragma vtordisp(pop)
#endif

struct C : B
{
    int i;
};

int main()
{
    C c;
}

See also

dynamic_cast Operator
vtordisp
Compiler Warning (level 1) C4436