operator overloading -> 1

[sVirgo2008]

T& operator*(){return *ptr;}
T& operator->(){return ptr);

Why do we return in one case *ptr and in other case ptr whereas return in both cases is a reference.

 

[uolj]

operator-> should specify T* as its return type, not T&.

 

[sVirgo2008]

Why?
I am having hard time to figure out when we need * or & in return type.

 

[uolj]

Honestly, I don't know. That's just how it works. I took a quick look in the standard to see if I could find an explanation or specific mention, but none could be found.

For cases like these where there is a common usage, I would just use examples from reference material to identify the proper form.

 

[xwb]

You return * when you need a pointer and & when you need a reference. This only starts making sense when it appears on the left of an assignment.

 

[sVirgo2008]

Thank you!
Now I am reading C++ Primer book and it makes sense what you wrote.