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c++arrays
Tatanan
Tatanan

Reputation: 207

Static constant integer arrays

When declaring a static constant array in my class like that

static const int myArray[] = {1, 2, 3, 999};

I get an error like "In-class initializer for static data member of type const int[] requires constexpr specifier". When I make it this way and declare it as 

static constexpr int myArray[] = {1, 2, 3, 999};

it works. Why is it not possible to declare static constant arrays? What am I missing?

Upvotes: 0

Views: 610

Answers (1)

joanpau
joanpau

Reputation: 568

It seems that there is a bit of confusion about declaration and definition / initialization in the question.

Before C++11, the definition (which often includes the initialization) of a static member should be done out-of-class, with the exception of static constants of integral or enumeration types. From Stroustrup's C++ FAQ:

to use in-class initialization syntax, the constant must be a static const of integral or enumeration type initialized by a constant expression

Even in this case, if the definition is required (e.g when taking the address of the static member), it should be defined out-of-class.

C++11 introduces the constexpr specifier to signal compile time initialization, and allows static members to be initialized in-class if declared constexpr (check Constant static members section in the reference of static). It also allows in-class initialization of non-static members but with a wider meaning.

Upvotes: 2

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