Converting from String^ to String*

Question

I'm currently having a small issue which i thought would be easy, but not, so,(maybe it is easy, but i don't know) i need to convert a String^ into a String^* so basically a string pointer, small snippet of code:

ARPLC_command_byuser = textBox1->Text;

I've already tried various of methods, but all seem to fail(well, they don't, i do).

If you have any idea, please tell me what to do.

String^ is already a reference, why do you need a pointer to it, what are you trying to do? Do you want to convert from String^ to std::string or wchar_t*? — pstrjds
– pstrjds, Commented Jul 9, 2012 at 17:04
@sblom - Didn't know they used the ^ syntax in C++/CX, I might have jumped the gun on the retagging. — pstrjds
– pstrjds, Commented Jul 9, 2012 at 17:05
A pointer to a .net managed pointer? That doesn't seem you'd really want that. — bames53
– bames53, Commented Jul 9, 2012 at 17:09

Hans Passant · Accepted Answer · 2012-07-09 17:15:12Z

3

That's not possible. A managed object is moved around in memory when the garbage collector compacts the heap. Which will invalidate any pointer. This is the primary reason that C++/CLI uses the ^ hat to indicate object references, they are pointers under the hood that the garbage collector can recognize and update when the object is moved.

Technically it is possible to pin a managed object to ensure that it doesn't get moved. Something you can do with pin_ptr<> or GCHandle::Alloc(). This should be avoided. Convert the managed string to a native pointer by copying it into unmanaged memory using the Marshal class.

answered Jul 9, 2012 at 17:15

Hans Passant

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