How to define a static member in case there is not header file?

Question

How to define a static member in case there is not header file ?

The code:

class MyClass
{
};

int MyClass::staticMember;  // Error: class MyClass has no member staticMember!

Any help?

You just declare it wherever your class declaration is. Doesn't matter if it's in a header file or not. — Jon, Apr 28 '11 at 22:56
@Jack: Not if you want the class to exist. Are you trying to use it in a manner more suited to a `namespace`? — Jon, Apr 28 '11 at 22:58
Remember: "header" != "[declaration](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1410563/what-is-the-difference-between-a-definition-and-a-declaration/1410632#1410632)" — sbi, Apr 28 '11 at 23:02

score 6 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 28 '11 at 22:58

6

This will work:

//
// Inside .cpp file
//
class MyClass
{
    static int staticMember;
};

int MyClass::staticMember;

answered Apr 28 '11 at 22:58

StackedCrooked

Probably want `staticMember` to be declared `public` or have accessors. Indeed, the desire for accessors would be the main reason to use a `class` here rather than a named or un-named `namespace`. – Keith Apr 29 '11 at 00:52

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 28 '11 at 22:55

2

If it's not in the class declaration, you can't define it.

answered Apr 28 '11 at 22:55

Fred Foo

2 Answers2