I\'d like to be able to introspect a C++ class for its name, contents (i.e. members and their types) etc. I\'m talking native C++ here, not managed C++, which has reflection
even though reflection is not supported out-of-the-box in c++, it is not too hard to implement. I've encountered this great article: http://replicaisland.blogspot.co.il/2010/11/building-reflective-object-system-in-c.html
the article explains in great detail how you can implement a pretty simple and rudimentary reflection system. granted its not the most wholesome solution, and there are rough edges left to be sorted out but for my needs it was sufficient.
the bottom line - reflection can pay off if done correctly, and it is completely feasible in c++.