Knowledge Base

FIX: Template Keyword Can't Be Used Inside Class Declarations

Article ID: 148704

Article Last Modified on 7/5/2005

APPLIES TO

Microsoft Visual C++ 4.0 Standard Edition
Microsoft Visual C++ 4.1 Subscription
Microsoft Visual C++ 4.2 Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Visual C++ 4.2 Professional Edition

This article was previously published under Q148704

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: kbbug kbfix kblangcpp kbvc500fix kbcpponly kbcompiler KB148704