Q167348: FIX: Non-const Member Function Call Via const Object Allowed

Article: Q167348
Product(s): Microsoft C Compiler
Version(s): winnt:4.0,4.1,4.2,5.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbcode kbVC400bug kbVC410bug kbVC420bug kbVC500bug kbVC600fix
Last Modified: 13-MAY-2001

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Visual C++, versions 4.0, 4.1 
- Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition, versions 4.2, 5.0 
- Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition, versions 4.2, 5.0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

A compiler error is not generated when a non-const member function is called via
a temporary const object.

STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products that are
listed at the beginning of this article.This problem was corrected in Microsoft
Visual C++ version 6.0.

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

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

     /* Compile Options Needed: None */ 
     class myClass
     {
     public:
       const myClass f();
       const myClass g();
     };

     int main( )
     {
       myClass mc;

       mc.f().g();     // The return value of f() is const, but g()
                       // is not a const member function. Therefore,
                       // an error should be generated.
       return 0;

     }

Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbcode kbVC400bug kbVC410bug kbVC420bug kbVC500bug kbVC600fix 
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbVC400 kbAudDeveloper kbVC410 kbVC420 kbVC500 kbVC32bitSearch kbVC500Search
Version           : winnt:4.0,4.1,4.2,5.0
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986-2002.