CODEWITHSUNDEEP
c++constructorvirtual
Gimun Eom
Gimun Eom

Reputation: 441

Can I call a virtual function in a constructor?

I know that a call of virtual function in constructors can cause undefined behavior. However, calling virtual function with a scope modifier is OK?

class A
{

public:
A() { A::f(); }
virtual void f();

};

class B
{

public:
B() { B::f(); }
virtual void f();

};

I think it is not different from calling a non-virtual function and it doesn't have any problems. Is it right? Or Did I overlook something?

Upvotes: 3

Views: 147

Answers (2)

R Sahu
R Sahu

Reputation: 206567

You are OK with your calls to A::f() in A::A() and to B::f() in B::B(). The virtual call mechanism is not used when the functions are called with explicit qualification.

This is what the draft standard says about using explicit qualification when calling a virtual function:

10.3/15 Explicit qualification with the scope operator (5.1) suppresses the virtual call mechanism. [ Example:

class B { public: virtual void f(); };
class D : public B { public: void f(); };
void D::f() { / ... / B::f(); }

Here, the function call in D::f really does call B::f and not D::f. —end example ]

Upvotes: 2

merlin2011
merlin2011

Reputation: 75545

Your example is fine, with the understanding that it will behave exactly as if you were calling a non-virtual function. I assume this is your intent.

Upvotes: 1

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