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Q143081: PRB: Ambiguous Msg If Function Template Return Type Omitted

Article: Q143081
Product(s): Microsoft C Compiler
Version(s): 4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbCompiler kbCPPonly kbVC
Last Modified: 03-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft C/C++ Compiler (CL.EXE), included with:
   - *EDITOR Please do not choose this product*Microsoft Visual C++ 32-bit Edition* use 241, 265, 225, version 4.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

Given a function template, if the return type is omitted, the error that results
is a syntax error on the semicolon preceding the closing brace of the function.

  minmax.cpp(4) : error C2059: syntax error : ';'

RESOLUTION
==========

Specify a return type for the function template.

STATUS
======

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION
================

In C++, it is an error for a function to be declared without a return type. This
is in compliance with the proposed ANSI C++ specification (ref. ARM, section
7.1.1).

Sample Code
-----------

      /* Compile options needed: /c */ 

     // This Min is in error (no return type is specified)
     template <class X> Min (X &t1, X &t2) {
        if (t1<t2) return t1;
        return t2;
     } //the error message appears for this line

     //This Min is correct
     template <class X> X& Min (X &t1, X &t2) {
        if (t1<t2) return t1;
        return t2;
     }

Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbCompiler kbCPPonly kbVC 
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbAudDeveloper kbCVCComp
Version           : :4.0
Issue type        : kbprb

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