C++ calling parent function only works when using a pointer

Question

Of these two programs the second one works but the first one does not compile. How is that possible? The only difference is that in version two bar is a pointer and in version one it isnt.

Version one: (does not compile)

#include <iostream>


class Foo{

    public:
        void print(){
            std::cout << "asdasd" << std::endl;
        }

};

class Bar : public Foo{


};
int main(){
    Bar bar();
    bar.print();
}

And the second version:

#include <iostream>

class Foo{

    public:
        void print(){
            std::cout << "asdasd" << std::endl;
        }

};

class Bar : public Foo{


};
int main(){
    Bar* bar = new Bar();
    bar->print();
}

Why the downvotes? Very fair question and very well-researched. Not exactly easy to google for this situation. — djechlin, Jun 18 '13 at 18:00
That being said you need to post your error message. And ideally google it and see what tends to cause it. — djechlin, Jun 18 '13 at 18:06
Some weird language settings in windows 8 cause my error messages to be in broken swedish mixed with english and strange symbols, I thought about posting it but it makes no sense. — Erik Bergsten, Jun 18 '13 at 19:35

score 11 · Accepted Answer · edited Jun 18 '13 at 18:01

11

Bar bar();

is a declaration of a function.

Bar bar;

is your friend.

edited Jun 18 '13 at 18:01

answered Jun 18 '13 at 17:58

Balog Pal

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C++ calling parent function only works when using a pointer

1 Answers1