tdf#74702 2/2

So to close bug #74702, we require to keep the real type of any OutputDevice* a function gets as 
argument.

If we are in a function g(OutputDevice*), we must rewind to its caller f(OutputDevice*), and so on 
until a(OutputDevice*) which is called after creation of an instance of a subclass of OutputDevice.

As you understand, it is very hard because there are many and many functions to modify and to 
rewind to get the real type of the OutputDevice* (OutputDevice subclass) that was passed as 
parameter.


An alternative is to use dynamic_cast and test the result. This solution does not require so much 
changes but is less elegant and efficient.


Community, which solution do you prefer?
I could try the first solution but to do so I need you to understand that keeping the real type of 
an object is crucial, essential. And to get this achevied, I need your cooperation for modifying 
functions that do not return the real type of an newly created object into a function that returns 
the real type of the object.

Example is OutputDevice* Application::GetDefaultDevice() which calls ImplGetDefaultWindow() which 
returns a vcl::Window*.

Application::GetDefaultDevice​ should return a vcl::Window* so that functions that act differently 
for Windows can be used instead of functions that take any OutputDevice but that are in trouble 
when they require to do something special with Windows.


I hope that all of you understand that it is important you to know this information so that you do 
not break all my work.

Best regards,
Adrien Ollier