Q179273: FIX: C2059 Initializing Static Data Member of a Template Class

Article: Q179273
Product(s): Microsoft C Compiler
Version(s): 5.0,5.0sp1,5.0sp2,5.0sp3,6.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbVC500bug kbVC600bug kbNoUpdate
Last Modified: 11-FEB-2002

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition, versions 5.0, 5.0sp1, 5.0sp2, 5.0sp3, 6.0 
- Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition, versions 5.0, 5.0sp1, 5.0sp2, 5.0sp3, 6.0 
- Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Learning Edition, version 6.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

The compiler generates the following errors when compiling the sample code shown
below (the code initializes a static data member of a template class):

  C2059: syntax error : syntax error : 'string'
  C2063: 'identifier' : 'r' : not a function
  C2040: 'operator' : 'r' : 'class Register (void)' differs in levels of
  indirection from 'class Register'

RESOLUTION
==========

To work around this problem, use the assignment operator when initializing the
static data member of a template class.

STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the
beginning of this article.

This problem was corrected in Microsoft Visual C++ .NET.

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

The following sample code demonstrates the problem and the workaround:

     /* Compile options needed: none
     */ 

     #include <stdio.h>

     class Register {
     public:

         Register( const char* class_name )
         { printf("In Register ctor for class %s.\n", class_name); }
         ~Register()
         { printf("In Register dtor.\n"); }

     };

     template<class T>
     class Base {
     public:

         static Register r;

     };

    template<class T>
     Register Base<T>::r( "Base<T>" ); //Cause of C2059, C2063 and C2040

     // To work around the problem, comment the line above and
     // uncomment the following line:
     // Register Base<T>::r = Register("Base<T>");

     int main() {
         return 0;
     }

Additional query words: initializer

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Keywords          : kbVC500bug kbVC600bug kbNoUpdate 
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbAudDeveloper kbVC500 kbVC600 kbVC32bitSearch kbVC500SP1 kbVC500SP2 kbVC500SP3 kbVC500Search
Version           : :5.0,5.0sp1,5.0sp2,5.0sp3,6.0
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

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