Casting std::any::Any to any trait

help
1

It is possible to cast Box to any struct type using downcast_ref, but how ca trait cast can implemented even if it is unsafe, but i know for sure that the stored object has this trait? Maybe I should use some custom base trait and implement it for any used type?

2

No, Any doesn't support downcasting to traits. The custom method to get it as the trait is the way to go.

3

So I need to store a different "base" trait inside the Box? Something like Box<dyn Castable>? I tried to that, but I need a generic function on the trait, so I can cast to any type, but it violates object safety as I understand

4

If you want to cast to any statically-known type, then that's really just Any itself.

5 
struct DataHolder {
    data: Box<dyn std::any::Any>
}

impl DataHolder {
    pub fn cast<T: 'static>(&self) -> Option<&T> {
        self.data.downcast_ref::<T>()
    }
}

struct TestStruct {
    data: u32
}

trait TestTrait {
    fn foo(&self) {
        println!("TEST")
    }
}

impl TestTrait for TestStruct {}

fn main() {
    let data_holder = DataHolder { data: Box::new(TestStruct {data: 0 }) };
    
    data_holder.cast::<TestStruct>().unwrap().foo();
    
    // How I can do something like this?
    //data_holder.cast::<TestTrait>().unwrap().foo();
}

Here is an example of what i am trying to achieve. What should i use istead of downcast?

6

You need to click "Share" and then "Permalink to the playground" for the playground URL (and you probably want edition 2018). Assuming it's the same as the block in your comment: Playground

7

Thank you. I have updated the post

8

Maybe this?

10

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