optional ofstream parameter in C++

Question

How can I make an ofstream argument optional?

bool LookingFor(std::string &mi_name, ofstream &my_file = std::cout)
{
    my_file << xxx;
.......

}

the compiling error with the above method signature is:

'std::ofstream& my_file' has type 'std::ostream {aka std::basic_ostream}'

I'm using mingw32.

I want this function to write to console when there is no a second parameter. I tried myriad things, but nothing works. I do not mind if I have to check the code to see if it is open, for instance:

if(my_file.isopen())
    my_file << xxx;
else
    cout << xxx;

any good idea?

Answer 1

Just use ostream :

bool LookingFor(std::string &mi_name, std::ostream &out = std::cout) {
    out << xxx;
}

This will work with any stream type, not only fstream , but also cout . And other stream types, like ostringstream .