Operator______ can be used to downcast base-class pointers safely. down_cast dynamic_cast cast type_cast

The operator you’re looking for is `dynamic_cast`. It specifically allows safe downcasting of pointers or references to polymorphic types in C++. If the downcast is not valid, `dynamic_cast` will return `nullptr` for pointers or throw an exception for references, helping you avoid dangerous situations like trying to access an object of the wrong type. Now, if you're using `dynamic_cast`, it's important to ensure that your base class has at least one virtual function. If it doesn't, the type information required for the check won't be available, which can lead to undesirable behavior or failed downcasts. So remember, no virtual functions, no safety net!