How is explicit casting performed in C++?

Explicit casting in C++ is primarily performed using the static_cast operator. This operator allows you to convert one data type to another explicitly by indicating the target type you want to convert to. For example, if you have a variable of type float and you want to convert it to an int, you could write something like int myInt = static_cast<int>(myFloat);. This not only clarifies your intent to the compiler but also helps maintain type safety compared to implicit casting.

Other methods mentioned, such as conversion functions and directly assigning data types, do play roles in type conversion, but they are not the standard C++ mechanism for explicit casting. The convert method is not a recognized feature in C++, and while direct assignment can lead to type conversions, it does not require the same level of explicitness and can risk losing important data or cause unexpected behavior. Hence, the use of static_cast is the correct approach for explicit type conversions in C++.