C++ function that conditionally returns different types -

i'm attempting write template function return different types based on string passed in.

template<typename t> t test(string type) {     int   integer   = 42;     float floateger = 42.42;      if (type == "int")         return integer;     if (type == "float")         return floateger; }  int main() {      int integer = test("int");      cout << "integer: " << integer << endl; } 

when run following error:

error: no matching function call 'test(const char [4])

how can implement such thing?

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my end goal write function return objects of different classes depending on string passed it. know isn't right approach @ all. correct way this?

you can't that, @ least not way.

in order able return different types have first return reference , second possible returned types have inherit declared return type.

for example:

class base { };  class derived1 : public base { };  class derived2 : public base { };  base& func(string type) {      static derived1 d1;      static derived2 d2;       if( type == "derived1" )          return d1;      if( type == "derived2" )          return d2;       //etc }