Assign derived class to base class

Question

Is it safe to do the following or is it undefined behaviour:

class Base
{
private:
    int a;
};

class Derived : public Base
{
private:
    int b;
};

Base x;
Derived y;
x = y;   // safe?

Do the extra bits in derived classes just get sliced off?

Answer 1

You are right, the object is sliced. This is a common problem. You shouldn't do it!

Answer 2

Yes, slicing occurs. It is not undefined behaviour though.

You might find this entry in the C++-FAQ helpful:
http://www.parashift.com/c++-faq-lite/virtual-functions.html#faq-20.8