Operator typeid returns a reference to a(n) object. cast type_info type typeid

The operator `typeid` in C++ returns a reference to a `type_info` object. This object contains information about the type of an object, allowing you to retrieve the name of the type or to perform runtime type identification. It’s especially useful when you're working with polymorphism in a class hierarchy, enabling you to determine the actual type of an object at runtime. When using `typeid`, it's important to keep in mind that it does not always return the most derived type in the case of pointers to base classes. To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you use `typeid` effectively in conjunction with `dynamic_cast` for safe type conversions, allowing you to catch potential downcasting errors.