Q148704: FIX: Template Keyword Can’t Be Used Inside Class Declarations

Article: Q148704
Product(s): Microsoft C Compiler
Version(s): 4.0 4.1 4.2
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbCompiler kbCPPonly kbLangCPP kbVC kbVC500fix
Last Modified: 03-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- The C/C++ Compiler (CL.EXE), included with:
   - Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, versions 4.0, 4.1 
   - Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition, version 4.2 
   - Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition, version 4.2 
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SYMPTOMS
========

Any attempt to use the keyword 'template' within a class definition results in
the following two errors:

  error C2059: syntax error : 'template'

  error C2238: unexpected token(s) preceding ';'

RESOLUTION
==========

The resolution will vary according to the circumstances. For example, when
declaring a template function to be a friend of a non-template class, find
another way to manipulate the members of the class; for example, declare them to
be public instead of private or provide public access member functions.

STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the
beginning of this article. This bug was corrected in Visual C++ version 5.0.

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

Examples where you need to use the keyword template within a class definition
include:

- Declaring a template function to be a friend of a non-template class.

- Declaring a template class to be a friend of a non-template class.

- Declaring a template function as a member of a non-template class.

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

     /* Compile options needed: None
        This sample illustrates the case of declaring a template function
        to be a friend of a non-template class.
     */ 

     class A;
     template <class T> void f(T, A *a)  { a->x; }

     class A {
     private:
         int x;
         template <class T> friend void f(T, A*);
     };

Additional query words: kbVC400bug 10.0 10.00 10.1 10.10 10.20

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbCompiler kbCPPonly kbLangCPP kbVC kbVC500fix 
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbAudDeveloper kbCVCComp
Version           : 4.0 4.1 4.2
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

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