This document contains the C++ core language issues that have been categorized as Defect Reports by the Committee (J16 + WG21), that is, issues with status "DR," "WP," and "TC1," along with their proposed resolutions. ONLY RESOLUTIONS FOR ISSUES WITH TC1 STATUS ARE PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR C++. The other issues are provided for informational purposes only, as an indication of the intent of the Committee. They should not be considered definitive until or unless they appear in an approved Technical Corrigendum or revised International Standard for C++.

This document is part of a group of related documents that together describe the issues that have been raised regarding the C++ Standard. The other documents in the group are:

• Active Issues List, which contains explanatory material for the entire document group and a list of the issues that have not yet been acted upon by the Committee.
• Closed Issues List, which contains the issues which the Committee has decided are not defects in the International Standard, including a brief rationale explaining the reason for the decision.
• Table of Contents, which contains a summary listing of all issues in numerical order.
• Index by Section, which contains a summary listing of all issues arranged in the order of the sections of the Standard with which they deal most directly.
• Index by Status, which contains a summary listing of all issues grouped by status.

For more information, including a description of the meaning of the issue status codes and instructions on reporting new issues, please see the Active Issues List.

Section references in this document reflect the section numbering of document J16/07-0331 = WG21 N2461.

Issues with "DR" Status

558. Excluded characters in universal character names

[Moved to DR at October 2007 meeting.]

C99 and C++ differ in their approach to universal character names (UCNs).

Issue 248 already covers the differences in UCNs allowed for identifiers, but a more fundamental issue is that of UCNs that correspond to codes reserved by ISO 10676 for surrogate pair forms.

Specifically, C99 does not allow UCNs whose short names are in the range 0xD800 to 0xDFFF. I think C++ should have the same constraint. If someone really wants to place such a code in a character or string literal, they should use a hexadecimal escape sequence instead, for example:

    wchar_t  w1 = L'\xD900'; // Okay.
    wchar_t  w2 = L'\uD900'; // Error, not a valid character.

(Compare 6.4.3 paragraph 2 in ISO/IEC 9899/1999 with 2.2 [lex.charset] paragraph 2 in the C++ standard.)

Proposed resolution (October, 2007):

This issue is resolved by the adoption of paper J16/07-0030 = WG21 N2170.

Issues with "WP" Status

357. Definition of signature should include name

[Voted into WP at April, 2007 meeting.]

Section 1.3.11 [defns.signature], definition of "signature" omits the function name as part of the signature. Since the name participates in overload resolution, shouldn't it be included in the definition? I didn't find a definition of signature in the ARM, but I might have missed it.

Fergus Henderson: I think so. In particular, 17.4.3.1.2 [global.names] reserves certain "function signatures" for use by the implementation, which would be wrong unless the signature includes the name.

-2- Each global function signature declared with external linkage in a header is reserved to the implementation to designate that function signature with external linkage.

-5- Each function signature from the Standard C library declared with external linkage is reserved to the implementation for use as a function signature with both extern "C" and extern "C++" linkage, or as a name of namespace scope in the global namespace.

Other uses of the term "function signature" in the description of the standard library also seem to assume that it includes the name.

James Widman:

Names don't participate in overload resolution; name lookup is separate from overload resolution. However, the word “signature” is not used in clause 13 [over]. It is used in linkage and declaration matching (e.g., 14.5.6.1 [temp.over.link]). This suggests that the name and scope of the function should be part of its signature.

Proposed resolution (October, 2006):

1. Replace 1.3.11 [defns.signature] with the following:

the name and the parameter-type-list (8.3.5 [dcl.fct]) of a function, as well as the class or namespace of which it is a member. If a function or function template is a class member its signature additionally includes the cv-qualifiers (if any) on the function or function template itself. The signature of a function template additionally includes its return type and its template parameter list. The signature of a function template specialization includes the signature of the template of which it is a specialization and its template arguments (whether explicitly specified or deduced). [Note: Signatures are used as a basis for name-mangling and linking. —end note]

2. Delete paragraph 3 and replace the first sentence of 14.5.6.1 [temp.over.link] as follows:

The signature of a function template specialization consists of the signature of the function template and of the actual template arguments (whether explicitly specified or deduced).

The signature of a function template consists of its function signature, its return type and its template parameter list is defined in 1.3.11 [defns.signature]. The names of the template parameters are significant...

(See also issue 537.)

537. Definition of “signature”

[Voted into WP at April, 2007 meeting.]

The standard defines “signature” in two places: 1.3.11 [defns.signature] and 14.5.6.1 [temp.over.link] paragraphs 3-4. The former seems to be meant as a formal definition (I think it's the only place covering the nontemplate case), yet it lacks some bits mentioned in the latter (specifically, the notion of a “signature of a function template,” which is part of every signature of the associated function template specializations).

Also, I think the 1.3.11 [defns.signature] words “the information about a function that participates in overload resolution” isn't quite right either. Perhaps, “the information about a function that distinguishes it in a set of overloaded functions?”

Eric Gufford:

In 1.3.11 [defns.signature] the definition states that “Function signatures do not include return type, because that does not participate in overload resolution,” while 14.5.6.1 [temp.over.link] paragraph 4 states “The signature of a function template consists of its function signature, its return type and its template parameter list.” This seems inconsistent and potentially confusing. It also seems to imply that two identical function templates with different return types are distinct signatures, which is in direct violation of 13.3 [over.match]. 14.5.6.1 [temp.over.link] paragraph 4 should be amended to include verbiage relating to overload resolution.

Either return types are included in function signatures, or they're not, across the board. IMHO, they should be included as they are an integral part of the function declaration/definition irrespective of overloads. Then verbiage should be added about overload resolution to distinguish between signatures and overload rules. This would help clarify things, as it is commonly understood that overload resolution is based on function signature.

In short, the term “function signature” should be made consistent, and removed from its (implicit, explicit or otherwise) linkage to overload resolution as it is commonly understood.

James Widman:

The problem is that (a) if you say the return type is part of the signature of a non-template function, then you have overloading but not overload resolution on return types (i.e., what we have now with function templates). I don't think anyone wants to make the language uglier in that way. And (b) if you say that the return type is not part of the signature of a function template, you will break code. Given those alternatives, it's probably best to maintain the status quo (which the implementors appear to have rendered faithfully).

Proposed resolution (September, 2006):

This issue is resolved by the resolution of issue 357.

513. Non-class “most-derived” objects

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

The standard uses “most derived object” in some places (for example, 1.3.4 [defns.dynamic.type], 5.3.5 [expr.delete]) to refer to objects of both class and non-class type. However, 1.8 [intro.object] only formally defines it for objects of class type.

Possible fix: Change the wording in 1.8 [intro.object] paragraph 4 from

an object of a most derived class type is called a most derived object

to

an object of a most derived class type, or of non-class type, is called a most derived object

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

Add the indicated words to 1.8 [intro.object] paragraph 4:

If a complete object, a data member (9.2 [class.mem]), or an array element is of class type, its type is considered the most derived class, to distinguish it from the class type of any base class subobject; an object of a most derived class type, or of a non-class type, is called a most derived object.

484. Can a base-specifier name a cv-qualified class type?

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

Issue 298, recently approved, affirms that cv-qualified class types can be used as nested-name-specifiers. Should the same be true for base-specifiers?

Rationale (April, 2005):

The resolution of issue 298 added new text to 9.1 [class.name] paragraph 5 making it clear that a typedef that names a cv-qualified class type is a class-name. Because the definition of base-specifier simply refers to class-name, it is already the case that cv-qualified class types are permitted as base-specifiers.

Additional notes (June, 2005):

It's not completely clear what it means to have a cv-qualified type as a base-specifier. The original proposed resolution for issue 298 said that “the cv-qualifiers are ignored,” but that wording is not in the resolution that was ultimately approved.

If the cv-qualifiers are not ignored, does that mean that the base-class subobject should be treated as always similarly cv-qualified, regardless of the cv-qualification of the derived-class lvalue used to access the base-class subobject? For instance:

    typedef struct B {
        void f();
        void f() const;
        int i;
    } const CB;

    struct D: CB { };

    void g(D* dp) {
        dp->f();    // which B::f?
        dp->i = 3;  // permitted?
    }

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

1. Change 9.1 [class.name] paragraph 5 as indicated:

A typedef-name (7.1.3 [dcl.typedef]) that names a class type, or a cv-qualified version thereof, is also a class-name, but class-name. If a typedef-name that names a cv-qualified class type is used where a class-name is required, the cv-qualifiers are ignored. A typedef-name shall not be used as the identifier in a class-head.

2. Delete 7.1.3 [dcl.typedef] paragraph 8:

[Note: if the typedef-name is used where a class-name (or enum-name) is required, the program is ill-formed. For example,

    typedef struct {
        S();     // error: requires a return type because S is
                  // an ordinary member function, not a constructor
    } S;

—end note]

39. Conflicting ambiguity rules

[Voted into WP at April 2005 meeting.]

The ambiguity text in 10.2 [class.member.lookup] may not say what we intended. It makes the following example ill-formed:

    struct A {
        int x(int);
    };
    struct B: A {
        using A::x;
        float x(float);
    };
    
    int f(B* b) {
        b->x(3);  // ambiguous
    }

... Each of these declarations that was introduced by a using-declaration is considered to be from each sub-object of C that is of the type containing the declaration designated by the using-declaration. If the resulting set of declarations are not all from sub-objects of the same type, or the set has a nonstatic member and includes members from distinct sub-objects, there is an ambiguity and the program is ill-formed.

Proposed Resolution (10/00):

1. Replace the two cited sentences from 10.2 [class.member.lookup] paragraph 2 with the following:

   The resulting set of declarations shall all be from sub-objects of the same type, or there shall be a set of declarations from sub-objects of a single type that contains using-declarations for the declarations found in all other sub-object types. Furthermore, for nonstatic members, the resulting set of declarations shall all be from a single sub-object, or there shall be a set of declarations from a single sub-object that contains using-declarations for the declarations found in all other sub-objects. Otherwise, there is an ambiguity and the program is ill-formed.

2. Replace the examples in 10.2 [class.member.lookup] paragraph 3 with the following:

       struct A {
           int x(int);
           static int y(int);
       };
       struct V {
           int z(int);
       };
       struct B: A, virtual V {
           using A::x;
           float x(float);
           using A::y;
           static float y(float);
           using V::z;
           float z(float);
       };
       struct C: B, A, virtual V {
       };
   
       void f(C* c) {
           c->x(3);    // ambiguous -- more than one sub-object A
           c->y(3);    // not ambiguous
           c->z(3);    // not ambiguous
       }
   

Notes from 04/01 meeting:

The following example should be accepted but is rejected by the wording above:

    struct A { static void f(); };

    struct B1: virtual A {
        using A::f;
    };

    struct B2: virtual A {
        using A::f;
    };

    struct C: B1, B2 { };

    void g() {
        C::f();        // OK, calls A::f()
    }

Notes from 10/01 meeting (Jason Merrill):

The example in the issues list:

    struct A {
        int x(int);
    };
    struct B: A {
        using A::x;
        float x(float);
    };
    
    int f(B* b) {
        b->x(3);  // ambiguous
    }

... Each of these declarations that was introduced by a using-declaration is considered to be from each sub-object of C that is of the type containing the declaration designated by the using-declaration. If the resulting set of declarations are not all from sub-objects of the same type, or the set has a nonstatic member and includes members from distinct sub-objects, there is an ambiguity and the program is ill-formed.

The first proposed solution:

The resulting set of declarations shall all be from sub-objects of the same type, or there shall be a set of declarations from sub-objects of a single type that contains using-declarations for the declarations found in all other sub-object types. Furthermore, for nonstatic members, the resulting set of declarations shall all be from a single sub-object, or there shall be a set of declarations from a single sub-object that contains using-declarations for the declarations found in all other sub-objects. Otherwise, there is an ambiguity and the program is ill-formed.

    struct A { static void f(); };

    struct B1: virtual A {
        using A::f;
    };

    struct B2: virtual A {
        using A::f;
    };

    struct C: B1, B2 { };

    void g() {
        C::f();        // OK, calls A::f()
    }

The solution is to separate the notions of lookup and definition context. I have taken an algorithmic approach to describing the strategy.

Incidentally, the earlier proposal allows one base to have a superset of the declarations in another base; that was an extension, and my proposal does not do that. One algorithmic benefit of this limitation is to simplify the case of a virtual base being hidden along one arm and not another ("domination"); if we allowed supersets, we would need to remember which subobjects had which declarations, while under the following resolution we need only keep two lists, of subobjects and declarations.

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

Replace 10.2 [class.member.lookup] paragraph 2 with:

The following steps define the result of name lookup for a member name f in a class scope C.

The lookup set for f in C, called S(f,C), consists of two component sets: the declaration set, a set of members named f; and the subobject set, a set of subobjects where declarations of these members (possibly including using-declarations) were found. In the declaration set, using-declarations are replaced by the members they designate, and type declarations (including injected-class-names) are replaced by the types they designate. S(f,C) is calculated as follows.

If C contains a declaration of the name f, the declaration set contains every declaration of f in C (excluding bases), the subobject set contains C itself, and calculation is complete.

Otherwise, S(f,C) is initially empty. If C has base classes, calculate the lookup set for f in each direct base class subjobject B_i, and merge each such lookup set S(f,B_i) in turn into S(f,C).

The following steps define the result of merging lookup set S(f,B_i) into the intermediate S(f,C):

• If each of the subobject members of S(f,B_i) is a base class subobject of at least one of the subobject members of S(f,C), S(f,C) is unchanged and the merge is complete. Conversely, if each of the subobject members of S(f,C) is a base class subobject of at least one of the subobject members of S(f,B_i), the new S(f,C) is a copy of S(f,B_i).
• Otherwise, if the declaration sets of S(f,B_i) and S(f,C) differ, the merge is ambiguous: the new S(f,C) is a lookup set with an invalid declaration set and the union of the subobject sets. In subsequent merges, an invalid declaration set is considered different from any other.
• Otherwise, consider each declaration d in the set, where d is a member of class A. If d is a nonstatic member, compare the A base class subobjects of the subobject members of S(f,B_i) and S(f,C). If they do not match, the merge is ambiguous, as in the previous step. [Note: It is not necessary to remember which A subobject each member comes from, since using-declarations don't disambiguate. ]
• Otherwise, the new S(f,C) is a lookup set with the shared set of declarations and the union of the subobject sets.

The result of name lookup for f in C is the declaration set of S(f,C). If it is an invalid set, the program is ill-formed.

[Example:

    struct A { int x; };                    // S(x,A) = {{ A::x }, { A }}
    struct B { float x; };                  // S(x,B) = {{ B::x }, { B }}
    struct C: public A, public B { };       // S(x,C) = { invalid, { A in C, B in C }}
    struct D: public virtual C { };         // S(x,D) = S(x,C)
    struct E: public virtual C { char x; }; // S(x,E) = {{ E::x }, { E }}
    struct F: public D, public E { };       // S(x,F) = S(x,E)

    int main() {
      F f;
      f.x = 0;   // OK, lookup finds { E::x }
    }

S(x,F) is unambiguous because the A and B base subobjects of D are also base subobjects of E, so S(x,D) is discarded in the first merge step. --end example]

Turn 10.2 [class.member.lookup] paragraphs 5 and 6 into notes.

Notes from October 2003 meeting:

Mike Miller raised some new issues in N1543, and we adjusted the proposed resolution as indicated in that paper.

Further information from Mike Miller (January 2004):

Unfortunately, I've become aware of a minor glitch in the proposed resolution for issue 39 in N1543, so I'd like to suggest a change that we can discuss in Sydney.

A brief review and background of the problem: the major change we agreed on in Kona was to remove detection of multiple-subobject ambiguity from class lookup (10.2 [class.member.lookup]) and instead handle it as part of the class member access expression. It was pointed out in Kona that 11.2 [class.access.base]/5 has this effect:

If a class member access operator, including an implicit "this->," is used to access a nonstatic data member or nonstatic member function, the reference is ill-formed if the left operand (considered as a pointer in the "." operator case) cannot be implicitly converted to a pointer to the naming class of the right operand.

After the meeting, however, I realized that this requirement is not sufficient to handle all the cases. Consider, for instance,

    struct B {
        int i;
    };

    struct I1: B { };
    struct I2: B { };

    struct D: I1, I2 {
        void f() {
            i = 0;    // not ill-formed per 11.2p5
        }
    };

Here, both the object expression ("this") and the naming class are "D", so the reference to "i" satisfies the requirement in 11.2 [class.access.base]/5, even though it involves a multiple-subobject ambiguity.

In order to address this problem, I proposed in N1543 to add a paragraph following 5.2.5 [expr.ref]/4:

If E2 is a non-static data member or a non-static member function, the program is ill-formed if the class of E1 cannot be unambiguously converted (10.2) to the class of which E2 is directly a member.

That's not quite right. It does diagnose the case above as written; however, it breaks the case where qualification is used to circumvent the ambiguity:

    struct D2: I1, I2 {
        void f() {
            I2::i = 0;    // ill-formed per proposal
        }
    };

In my proposed wording, the class of "this" can't be converted to "B" (the qualifier is ignored), so the access is ill-formed. Oops.

I think the following is a correct formulation, so the proposed resolution we discuss in Sydney should contain the following paragraph instead of the one in N1543:

If E2 is a nonstatic data member or a non-static member function, the program is ill-formed if the naming class (11.2) of E2 cannot be unambiguously converted (10.2) to the class of which E2 is directly a member.

This reformulation also has the advantage of pointing readers to 11.2 [class.access.base], where the the convertibility requirement from the class of E1 to the naming class is located and which might otherwise be overlooked.

Notes from the March 2004 meeting:

We discussed this further and agreed with these latest recommendations. Mike Miller has produced a paper N1626 that gives just the final collected set of changes.

(This resolution also resolves isssue 306.)

306. Ambiguity by class name injection

[Voted into WP at April 2005 meeting.]

Is the following well-formed?

    struct A {
        struct B { };
    };
    struct C : public A, public A::B {
        B *p;
    };

What if a struct is found along one path and a typedef to that struct is found along another path? That should probably be valid, but does the standard say so?

This is resolved by issue 39

February 2004: Moved back to "Review" status because issue 39 was moved back to "Review".

390. Pure virtual must be defined when implicitly called

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

In clause 10.4 [class.abstract] paragraph 2, it reads:

A pure virtual function need be defined only if explicitly called with the qualified-id syntax (5.1 [expr.prim]).

This is IMHO incomplete. A dtor is a function (well, a "special member function", but this also makes it a function, right?) but it is called implicitly and thus without a qualified-id syntax. Another alternative is that the pure virtual function is called directly or indirectly from the ctor. Thus the above sentence which specifies when a pure virtual function need be defined ("...only if...") needs to be extended:

A pure virtual function need be defined only if explicitly called with the qualified-id syntax (5.1 [expr.prim]) or if implicitly called (12.4 [class.dtor] or 12.7 [class.cdtor]).

Proposed resolution:

Change 10.4 [class.abstract] paragraph 2 from

A pure virtual function need be defined only if explicitly called with the qualified-id syntax (5.1 [expr.prim]).

to

A pure virtual function need be defined only if explicitly called with, or as if with (12.4 [class.dtor]), the qualified-id syntax (5.1 [expr.prim]).

Note: 12.4 [class.dtor] paragraph 6 defines the "as if" cited.

8. Access to template arguments used in a function return type and in the nested name specifier

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Consider the following example:

    class A {
       class A1{};
       static void func(A1, int);
       static void func(float, int);
       static const int garbconst = 3;
     public:
       template < class T, int i, void (*f)(T, int) > class int_temp {};
       template<> class int_temp<A1, 5, func> { void func1() };
       friend int_temp<A1, 5, func>::func1();
       int_temp<A1, 5, func>* func2();
   };
   A::int_temp<A::A1, A::garbconst + 2, &A::func>* A::func2() {...}

In 11 [class.access] paragraph 5 we have:

All access controls in clause 11 affect the ability to access a class member name from a particular scope... In particular, access controls apply as usual to member names accessed as part of a function return type, even though it is not possible to determine the access privileges of that use without first parsing the rest of the function declarator.

      A::int_temp
      A::A1
      A::garbconst (part of an expression)
      A::func (after overloading is done)

Rationale:

Not a defect. This behavior is as intended.

ISSUE 2:

Now consider void A::int_temp<A::A1, A::garbconst + 2, &A::func>::func1() {...} By my reading of 11.8 [class.access.nest] , the references to A::A1, A::garbconst and A::func are now illegal, and there is no way to define this function outside of the class. Is there any need to do anything about either of these Issues?

Proposed resolution (04/01):

The resolution for this issue is contained in the resolution for issue 45.

494. Problems with the resolution of issue 45

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

The proposed resolution for issue 45 inserts the following sentence after 11 [class.access] paragraph 1:

A member of a class can also access all names as the class of which it is a member.

I don't think that this is correctly constructed English. I see two possibilities:

1. This is a typo, and the correct change is:

   A member of a class can also access all names of the class of which it is a member.

2. The intent is something more like:

   A member of a nested class can also access all names accessible by any other member of the class of which it is a member.

[Note: this was editorially corrected at the time defect resolutions were being incorporated into the Working Paper to read, “...can also access all the names declared in the class of which it is a member,” which is essentially the same as the preceding option 1.]

I would prefer to use the language proposed for 11.8 [class.access.nest]:

A nested class is a member and as such has the same access rights as any other member.

A second problem is with the text in 11.4 [class.friend] paragraph 2:

[Note: this means that access to private and protected names is also granted to member functions of the friend class (as if the functions were each friends) and to the static data member definitions of the friend class. This also means that private and protected type names from the class granting friendship can be used in the base-clause of a nested class of the friend class. However, the declarations of members of classes nested within the friend class cannot access the names of private and protected members from the class granting friendship. Also, because the base-clause of the friend class is not part of its member declarations, the base-clause of the friend class cannot access the names of the private and protected members from the class granting friendship. For example,

    class A {
        class B { };
        friend class X;
    };
    class X : A::B {     // ill-formed: A::B cannot be accessed
                         // in the base-clause for X
        A::B mx;         // OK: A::B used to declare member of X
        class Y: A::B {  // OK: A::B used to declare member of X
            A::B my;     // ill-formed: A::B cannot be accessed
                         // to declare members of nested class of X
        };
    };

—end note]

This seems to be an oversight. The proposed change to 11.8 [class.access.nest] paragraph 1 would appear to have eliminated the restrictions on nested class access. However, at least one compiler (gcc 3.4.3) doesn't appear to take my view, and continues with the restrictions on access by classes within a friend class, while implementing the rest of the resolution of issue 45.

Note (March, 2005):

Andreas Hommel: I think issue 45 requires an additional change in 9.7 [class.nest] paragraph 4:

Like a member function, a friend function (11.4 [class.friend]) defined within a nested class is in the lexical scope of that class; it obeys the same rules for name binding as a static member function of that class (9.4 [class.static]) and has no special access rights to members of an enclosing class.

I believe the “no special access rights” language should be removed.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

This issue is resolved by the resolution of issue 372.

9. Clarification of access to base class members

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

11.2 [class.access.base] paragraph 4 says:

A base class is said to be accessible if an invented public member of the base class is accessible. If a base class is accessible, one can implicitly convert a pointer to a derived class to a pointer to that base class.

    class D;
     
    class B
    {
     protected:
       int b1;
 
       friend void foo( D* pd );
    };
     
    class D : protected B { };
     
    void foo( D* pd )
    {
       if ( pd->b1 > 0 ); // Is 'b1' accessible?
    }

1st interpretation:

A public member of B is accessible within foo (since foo is a friend), therefore foo can refer to b1 and convert a D* to a B*.

2nd interpretation:

B is a protected base class of D, and a public member of B is a protected member of D and can only be accessed within members of D and friends of D. Therefore foo cannot refer to b1 and cannot convert a D* to a B*.

(See J16/99-0042 = WG21 N1218.)

Proposed Resolution (04/01):

1. Add preceding 11.2 [class.access.base] paragraph 4:

   A base class B of N is accessible at R, if

   • an invented public member of B would be a public member of N, or
   • R occurs in a member or friend of class N, and an invented public member of B would be a private or protected member of N, or
   • R occurs in a member or friend of a class P derived from N, and an invented public member of B would be a private or protected member of P, or
   • there exists a class S such that B is a base class of S accessible at R and S is a base class of N accessible at R. [Example:

         class B {
         public:
             int m;
         };
     
         class S: private B {
             friend class N;
         };
     
         class N: private S {
             void f() {
     	    B* p = this;  // OK because class S satisfies the
     			// fourth condition above: B is a base
     			// class of N accessible in f() because
     			// B is an accessible base class of S
     			// and S is an accessible base class of N.
             }
         };
     

     —end example]

2. Delete the first sentence of 11.2 [class.access.base] paragraph 4:

   A base class is said to be accessible if an invented public member of the base class is accessible.

3. Replace the last sentence ("A member m is accessible...") by the following:

   A member m is accessible at the point R when named in class N if

   • m as a member of N is public, or
   • m as a member of N is private, and R occurs in a member or friend of class N, or
   • m as a member of N is protected, and R occurs in a member or friend of class N, or in a member or friend of a class P derived from N, where m as a member of P is private or protected, or
   • there exists a base class B of N that is accessible at R, and m is accessible at R when named in class B. [Example:...

The resolution for issue 207 modifies this wording slightly.

16. Access to members of indirect private base classes

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

The text in 11.2 [class.access.base] paragraph 4 does not seem to handle the following cases:

    class D;
     
    class B {
    private:
        int i;
        friend class D;
    };
     
    class C : private B { };
     
    class D : private C {
        void f() {
            B::i; //1: well-formed?
            i;    //2: well-formed?
        }
    };

Proposed Resolution (04/01): The resolution for this issue is contained in the resolution for issue 9..

207. using-declarations and protected access

[Moved to DR at 10/01 meeting.]

Consider the following example:

  class A {
  protected:
    static void f() {};
  };

  class B : A {
  public:
    using A::f;
    void g() {
      A::f();
    }
  };

The standard says in 11.2 [class.access.base] paragraph 4 that the call to A::f is ill-formed:

A member m is accessible when named in class N if

• m as a member of N is public, or
• m as a member of N is private, and the reference occurs in a member or friend of class N, or
• m as a member of N is protected, and the reference occurs in a member or friend of class N, or in a member or friend of a class P derived from N, where m as a member of P is private or protected, or
• there exists a base class B of N that is accessible at the point of reference, and m is accessible when named in class B.

Here, m is A::f and N is A.

• f as a member of A is public? No.
• f as a member of A is private? No.
• f as a member of A is protected? Yes.
• reference in a member or friend of A? No.
• reference in a member or friend of a class derived from A? Yes, B.
• f as a member of B private or protected? No, public.
• base of A accessible at point of reference? No.

It seems clear to me that the third bullet should say "public, private or protected".

Steve Adamczyk:The words were written before using-declarations existed, and therefore didn't anticipate this case.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

Modify the third bullet of the third change ("A member m is accessible...") in the resolution of issue 9 to read "public, private, or protected" instead of "private or protected."

77. The definition of friend does not allow nested classes to be friends

[Moved to DR at 4/02 meeting.]

The definition of "friend" in 11.4 [class.friend] says:

A friend of a class is a function or class that is not a member of the class but is permitted to use the private and protected member names from the class. ...

    class OUTER {
        class INNER;
        friend class INNER;
        class INNER {};
    };

Proposed resolution (04/01):

Change the first sentence of 11.4 [class.friend] as follows:

A friend of a class is a function or class that is not a member of the class but is allowed given permission to use the private and protected member names from the class. The name of a friend is not in the scope of the class, and the friend is not called with the member access operators (5.2.5 [expr.ref]) unless it is a member of another class. A class specifies its friends, if any, by way of friend declarations. Such declarations give special access rights to the friends, but they do not make the nominated friends members of the befriending class.

500. Access in base-specifiers of friend and nested classes

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

I don't know the reason for this distinction, but it seems to be surprising that Base::A is legal and D is illegal in this example:

    class D;
    class Base 
    { 
        class A;
        class B;
        friend class D;
    }; 
    class Base::B 
    {
    };
    class Base::A : public Base::B  // OK because of issue 45
    { 
    };
    class D : public Base::B        // illegal because of 11.4p4
    { 
    };

Shouldn't this be consistent (either way)?

Notes from the April, 2005 meeting:

In discussing issue 372, the CWG decided that access in the base-specifiers of a class should be the same as for its members, and that resolution will apply to friend declarations, as well.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

This issue is resolved by the resolution of issue 372.

385. How does protected member check of 11.5 interact with using-declarations?

[Voted into WP at October 2004 meeting.]

We consider it not unreasonable to do the following

  class A { 
    protected: 
    void g();
  }; 
  class B : public A { 
    public: 
      using A::g; // B::g is a public synonym for A::g 
  }; 

  class C: public A {
    void foo();
  };

  void C::foo() { 
    B b; 
    b.g(); 
  } 

However the EDG front-end does not like and gives the error

  #410-D: protected function "A::g" is not accessible through a "B" pointer or  object 
    b.g();
      ^

Steve Adamczyk: The error in this case is due to 11.5 [class.protected] of the standard, which is an additional check on top of the other access checking. When that section says "a protected nonstatic member function ... of a base class" it doesn't indicate whether the fact that there is a using-declaration is relevant. I'd say the current wording taken at face value would suggest that the error is correct -- the function is protected, even if the using-declaration for it makes it accessible as a public function. But I'm quite sure the wording in 11.5 [class.protected] was written before using-declarations were invented and has not been reviewed since for consistency with that addition.

Notes from April 2003 meeting:

We agreed that the example should be allowed.

Proposed resolution (April 2003, revised October 2003):

Change 11.5 [class.protected] paragraph 1 from

When a friend or a member function of a derived class references a protected nonstatic member function or protected nonstatic data member of a base class, an access check applies in addition to those described earlier in clause 11 [class.access]. [Footnote: This additional check does not apply to other members, e.g. static data members or enumerator member constants.] Except when forming a pointer to member (5.3.1 [expr.unary.op]), the access must be through a pointer to, reference to, or object of the derived class itself (or any class derived from that class (5.2.5 [expr.ref]). If the access is to form a pointer to member, the nested-name-specifier shall name the derived class (or any class derived from that class).

to

An additional access check beyond those described earlier in clause 11 [class.access] is applied when a nonstatic data member or nonstatic member function is a protected member of its naming class (11.2 [class.access.base]). [Footnote: This additional check does not apply to other members, e.g., static data members or enumerator member constants.] As described earlier, access to a protected member is granted because the reference occurs in a friend or member of some class C. If the access is to form a pointer to member (5.3.1 [expr.unary.op]), the nested-name-specifier shall name C or a class derived from C. All other accesses involve a (possibly implicit) object expression (5.2.5 [expr.ref]). In this case, the class of the object expression shall be C or a class derived from C.

Additional discussion (September, 2004):

Steve Adamczyk: I wonder if this wording is incorrect. Consider:

    class A {
    public:
      int p;
    };
    class B : protected A {
      // p is a protected member of B
    };
    class C : public B {
      friend void fr();
    };
    void fr() {
      B *pb = new B;
      pb->p = 1;  // Access okay?  Naming class is B, p is a protected member of B,
                  // the "C" of the issue 385 wording is C, but access is not via
                  // an object of type C or a derived class thereof.
    }

I think the formulation that the member is a protected member of its naming class is not what we want. I think we intended that the member is protected in the declaration that is found, where the declaration found might be a using-declaration.

Mike Miller: I think the proposed wording makes the access pb->p ill-formed, and I think that's the right thing to do.

First, protected inheritance of A by B means that B intends the public and protected members of A to be part of B's implementation, available to B's descendants only. (That's why there's a restriction on converting from B* to A*, to enforce B's intention on the use of members of A.) Consequently, I see no difference in access policy between your example and

    class B {
    protected:
        int p;
    };

Second, the reason we have this rule is that C's use of inherited protected members might be different from their use in a sibling class, say D. Thus members and friends of C can only use B::p in a manner consistent with C's usage, i.e., in C or derived-from-C objects. If we rewrote your example slightly,

    class D: public B { };

    void fr(B* pb) {
        pb->p = 1;
    }

    void g() {
        fr(new D);
    }

it's clear that the intent of this rule is broken — fr would be accessing B::p assuming C's policies when the object in question actually required D's policies.

(See also issues 471 and 472.)

10. Can a nested class access its own class name as a qualified name if it is a private member of the enclosing class?

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Paragraph 1 says: "The members of a nested class have no special access to members of an enclosing class..."

This prevents a member of a nested class from being defined outside of its class definition. i.e. Should the following be well-formed?

    class D {
        class E {
            static E* m;
        };
    };
     
    D::E* D::E::m = 1; // ill-formed

Here is another example:

    class C {
        class B
        {
            C::B *t; //2 error, C::B is inaccessible
        };
    };

    class C {
        class B
        {
            B& operator= (const B&);
        };
    };
     
    C::B& C::B::operator= (const B&) { } //3

Proposed resolution (04/01):

The resolution for this issue is incorporated into the resolution for issue 45.

45. Access to nested classes

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Example:

    #include <iostream.h>
    
    class C {  // entire body is private
        struct Parent {
            Parent() { cout << "C::Parent::Parent()\n"; }
        };
    
        struct Derived : Parent {
            Derived() { cout << "C::Derived::Derived()\n"; }
        };
    
        Derived d;
    };
    
    
    int main() {
        C c;      //  Prints message from both nested classes
        return 0;
    }

11 [class.access] paragraph 1:

A member of a class can be

• private; that is, its name can be used only by members and friends of the class in which it is declared. [...]

The members of a nested class have no special access to members of an enclosing class, nor to classes or functions that have granted friendship to an enclosing class; the usual access rules (clause 11 [class.access] ) shall be obeyed. [...]

From Mike Miller:

I think it is completely legal, by the reasoning given in the (non-normative) 11.8 [class.access.nest] paragraph 2. The use of a private nested class as a base of another nested class is explicitly declared to be acceptable there. I think the rationale in the comments in the example ("// OK because of injection of name A in A") presupposes that public members of the base class will be public members in a (publicly-derived) derived class, regardless of the access of the base class, so the constructor invocation should be okay as well.

I can't find anything normative that explicitly says that, though.

(See also papers J16/99-0009 = WG21 N1186, J16/00-0031 = WG21 N1254, and J16/00-0045 = WG21 N1268.)

Proposed Resolution (04/01):

1. Insert the following as a new paragraph following 11 [class.access] paragraph 1:

   A member of a class can also access all names as the class of which it is a member. A local class of a member function may access the same names that the member function itself may access. [Footnote: Access permissions are thus transitive and cumulative to nested and local classes.]

2. Delete 11 [class.access] paragraph 6.

3. In 11.8 [class.access.nest] paragraph 1, change

   The members of a nested class have no special access to members of an enclosing class, nor to classes or functions that have granted friendship to an enclosing class; the usual access rules (clause 11 [class.access]) shall be obeyed.

   to

   A nested class is a member and as such has the same access rights as any other member.

   Change

       B b;       // error: E::B is private
   

   to

       B b;       // Okay, E::I can access E::B
   

   Change

       p->x = i;      // error: E::x is private
   

   to

       p->x = i;      // Okay, E::I can access E::x
   

4. Delete 11.8 [class.access.nest] paragraph 2.

(This resolution also resolves issues 8 and 10.

263. Can a constructor be declared a friend?

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

According to 12.1 [class.ctor] paragraph 1, a declaration of a constructor has a special limited syntax, in which only function-specifiers are allowed. A friend specifier is not a function-specifier, so one interpretation is that a constructor cannot be declared in a friend declaration.

(It should also be noted, however, that neither friend nor function-specifier is part of the declarator syntax, so it's not clear that anything conclusive can be derived from the wording of 12.1 [class.ctor].)

Notes from 04/01 meeting:

The consensus of the core language working group was that it should be permitted to declare constructors as friends.

Proposed Resolution (revised October 2002):

Change paragraph 1a in 3.4.3.1 [class.qual] (added by the resolution of issue 147) as follows:

If the nested-name-specifier nominates a class C, and the name specified after the nested-name-specifier, when looked up in C, is the injected-class-name of C (clause 9 [class]), the name is instead considered to name the constructor of class C. Such a constructor name shall be used only in the declarator-id of a constructor definition declaration that appears outside of the class definition names a constructor....

Note: the above does not allow qualified names to be used for in-class declarations; see 8.3 [dcl.meaning] paragraph 1. Also note that issue 318 updates the same paragraph.

Change the example in 11.4 [class.friend], paragraph 4 as follows:

class Y {
  friend char* X::foo(int);
  friend X::X(char);   // constructors can be friends
  friend X::~X();      // destructors can be friends
  //...
};

326. Wording for definition of trivial constructor

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

In 12.1 [class.ctor] paragraph 5, the standard says "A constructor is trivial if [...]", and goes on to define a trivial default constructor. Taken literally, this would mean that a copy constructor can't be trivial (contrary to 12.8 [class.copy] paragraph 6). I suggest changing this to "A default constructor is trivial if [...]". (I think the change is purely editorial.)

Proposed Resolution (revised October 2002):

Change 12.1 [class.ctor] paragraph 5-6 as follows:

A default constructor for a class X is a constructor of class X that can be called without an argument. If there is no user-declared user-declared constructor for class X, a default constructor is implicitly declared. An implicitly-declared implicitly-declared default constructor is an inline public member of its class. A default constructor is trivial if it is an implicitly-declared default constructor and if:

• its class has no virtual functions (10.3 [class.virtual]) and no virtual base classes (10.1 [class.mi]), and
• all the direct base classes of its class have trivial default constructors, and
• for all the nonstatic data members of its class that are of class type (or array thereof), each such class has a trivial default constructor.

Otherwise, the default constructor is non-trivial.

Change 12.4 [class.dtor] paragraphs 3-4 as follows (the main changes are removing italics):

If a class has no user-declared user-declared destructor, a destructor is declared implicitly. An implicitly-declared implicitly-declared destructor is an inline public member of its class. A destructor is trivial if it is an implicitly-declared destructor and if:

• all of the direct base classes of its class have trivial destructors and
• for all of the non-static data members of its class that are of class type (or array thereof), each such class has a trivial destructor.

Otherwise, the destructor is non-trivial non-trivial.

In 9.5 [class.union] paragraph 1, change "trivial constructor" to "trivial default constructor".

In 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 3, add to the reference to 12.1 [class.ctor] a second reference, to 12.8 [class.copy].

331. Allowed copy constructor signatures

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

12.1 [class.ctor] paragraph 10 states

A copy constructor for a class X is a constructor with a first parameter of type X & or of type const X &. [Note: see 12.8 [class.copy] for more information on copy constructors.]

No mention is made of constructors with first parameters of types volatile X & or const volatile X &. This statement seems to be in contradiction with 12.8 [class.copy] paragraph 2 which states

A non-template constructor for class X is a copy constructor if its first parameter is of type X &, const X &, volatile X & or const volatile X &, ...

12.8 [class.copy] paragraph 5 also mentions the volatile versions of the copy constructor, and the comparable paragraphs for copy assignment (12.8 [class.copy] paragraphs 9 and 10) all allow volatile versions, so it seems that 12.1 [class.ctor] is at fault.

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

Change 12.1 [class.ctor] paragraph 10 from

A copy constructor for a class X is a constructor with a first parameter of type X& or of type const X&. [Note: see 12.8 [class.copy] for more information on copy constructors. ]

A copy constructor (12.8 [class.copy]) is used to copy objects of class type.

86. Lifetime of temporaries in query expressions

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

In 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 5, should binding a reference to the result of a "?" operation, each of whose branches is a temporary, extend both temporaries?

Here's an example:

    const SFileName &C = noDir ? SFileName("abc") : SFileName("bcd");

Do the temporaries created by the SFileName conversions survive the end of the full expression?

Notes from 10/00 meeting:

Other problematic examples include cases where the temporary from one branch is a base class of the temporary from the other (i.e., where the implementation must remember which type of temporary must be destroyed), or where one branch is a temporary and the other is not. Similar questions also apply to the comma operator. The sense of the core language working group was that implementations should be required to support these kinds of code.

Notes from the March 2004 meeting:

We decided that the cleanest model is one in which any "?" operation that returns a class rvalue always copies one of its operands to a temporary and returns the temporary as the result of the operation. (Note that this may involve slicing.) An implementation would be free to optimize this using the rules in 12.8 [class.copy] paragraph 15, and in fact we would expect that in many cases compilers would do such optimizations. For example, the compiler could construct both rvalues in the above example into a single temporary, and thus avoid a copy.

See also issue 446.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

This issue is resolved by the resolutions of issue 446.

Note (October, 2005):

This issue was overlooked when issue 446 was moved to “ready” status and was thus inadvertently omitted from the list of issues accepted as Defect Reports at the October, 2005 meeting.

124. Lifetime of temporaries in default initialization of class arrays

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Jack Rouse: 12.2 [class.temporary] states that temporary objects will normally be destroyed at the end of the full expression in which they are created. This can create some unique code generation requirements when initializing a class array with a default constructor that uses a default argument. Consider the code:

    struct T {
       int i;
       T( int );
       ~T();
    };

    struct S {
       S( int = T(0).i );
       ~S();
    };

    S* f( int n )
    {
       return new S[n];
    }

I believe that many existing implementations will destroy the temporaries needed by the default constructor after each array element is initialized. But I can't find anything in the standard that allows the temporaries to be destroyed early in this case.

I think the standard should allow the early destruction of temporaries used in the default initialization of class array elements. I believe early destruction is the status quo, and I don't think the users of existing C++ compilers have been adversely impacted by it.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

The proposed resolution is contained in the proposal for issue 201.

201. Order of destruction of temporaries in initializers

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

According to 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 4, an expression appearing as the initializer in an object definition constitutes a context "in which temporaries are destroyed at a different point than the end of the full-expression." It goes on to say that the temporary containing the value of the expression persists until after the initialization is complete (see also issue 117). This seems to presume that the end of the full-expression is a point earlier than the completion of the initialization.

However, according to 1.9 [intro.execution] paragraphs 12-13, the full-expression in such cases is, in fact, the entire initialization. If this is the case, the behavior described for temporaries in an initializer expression is simply the normal behavior of temporaries in any expression, and treating it as an exception to the general rule is both incorrect and confusing.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

[Note: this proposal also addresses issue 124.]

1. Add to the end of 1.9 [intro.execution] paragraph 12:

   If the initializer for an object or sub-object is a full-expression, the initialization of the object or sub-object (e.g., by calling a constructor or copying an expression value) is considered to be part of the full-expression.

2. Replace 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 4 with:

   There are two contexts in which temporaries are destroyed at a different point than the end of the full-expression. The first context is when a default constructor is called to initialize an element of an array. If the constructor has one or more default arguments, any temporaries created in the default argument expressions are destroyed immediately after return from the constructor.

320. Question on copy constructor elision example

[Voted into WP at April 2005 meeting.]

Section 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 2, abridged:

  X f(X);
  void g()
  {
	X a;
	a = f(a);
  }

a=f(a) requires a temporary for either the argument a or the result of f(a) to avoid undesired aliasing of a.

The note seems to imply that an implementation is allowed to omit copying "a" to f's formal argument, or to omit using a temporary for the return value of f. I don't find that license in normative text.

Function f returns an X by value, and in the expression the value is assigned (not copy-constructed) to "a". I don't see how that temporary can be omitted. (See also 12.8 [class.copy] p 15)

Since "a" is an lvalue and not a temporary, I don't see how copying "a" to f's formal parameter can be avoided.

Am I missing something, or is 12.2 [class.temporary] p 2 misleading?

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

In 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 2, change the last sentence as indicated:

On the other hand, the expression a=f(a) requires a temporary for either the argument a or the result of f(a) to avoid undesired aliasing of a the result of f(a), which is then assigned to a.

392. Use of full expression lvalue before temporary destruction

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

class C {
public:
    C();
    ~C();
    int& get() { return p; } // reference return
private:
    int p;
};

int main ()
{
    if ( C().get() ) // OK?
}

Section 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 3 says a temp is destroyed as the last step in evaluating the full expression. But the expression C().get() has a reference type. Does 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 3 require that the dereference to get a boolean result occur before the destructor runs, making the code valid? Or does the code have undefined behavior?

Bill Gibbons: It has undefined behavior, though clearly this wasn't intended. The lvalue-to-rvalue conversion that occurs in the "if" statement is not currently part of the full-expression.

From section 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 3:

Temporary objects are destroyed as the last step in evaluating the full-expression (1.9 [intro.execution]) that (lexically) contains the point where they were created.

From section 1.9 [intro.execution] paragraph 12:

A full-expression is an expression that is not a subexpression of another expression. If a language construct is defined to produce an implicit call of a function, a use of the language construct is considered to be an expression for the purposes of this definition.

The note in section 1.9 [intro.execution] paragraph 12 goes on to explain that this covers expressions used as initializers, but it does not discuss lvalues within temporaries.

It is a small point but it is probably worth correcting 1.9 [intro.execution] paragraph 12. Instead of the "implicit call of a function" wording, it might be better to just say that a full-expression includes any implicit use of the expression value in the enclosing language construct, and include a note giving implicit calls and lvalue-to-rvalue conversions as examples.

Offhand the places where this matters include: initialization (including member initializers), selection statements, iteration statements, return, throw

Proposed resolution (April 2003):

Change 1.9 [intro.execution] paragraph 12-13 to read:

A full-expression is an expression that is not a subexpression of another expression. If a language construct is defined to produce an implicit call of a function, a use of the language construct is considered to be an expression for the purposes of this definition. Conversions applied to the result of an expression in order to satisfy the requirements of the language construct in which the expression appears are also considered to be part of the full-expression.

[Note: certain contexts in C++ cause the evaluation of a full-expression that results from a syntactic construct other than expression (5.18 [expr.comma]). For example, in 8.5 [dcl.init] one syntax for initializer is

( expression-list )

but the resulting construct is a function call upon a constructor function with expression-list as an argument list; such a function call is a full-expression. For example, in 8.5 [dcl.init], another syntax for initializer is

= initializer-clause

but again the resulting construct might be a function call upon a constructor function with one assignment-expression as an argument; again, the function call is a full-expression. ] [Example:

  struct S {
      S(int i): I(i) { }
      int& v() { return I; }
    private:
      int I;
  };

  S s1(1);           // full-expression is call of S::S(int)
  S s2 = 2;          // full-expression is call of S::S(int)

  void f() {
      if (S(3).v())  // full-expression includes lvalue-to-rvalue and
                     // int to bool conversions, performed before
                     // temporary is deleted at end of full-expression
      { }
  }

--- end example]

443. Wording nit in description of lifetime of temporaries

[Voted into WP at April 2005 meeting.]

There seems to be a typo in 12.2 [class.temporary]/5, which says "The temporary to which the reference is bound or the temporary that is the complete object TO a subobject OF which the TEMPORARY is bound persists for the lifetime of the reference except as specified below."

I think this should be "The temporary to which the reference is bound or the temporary that is the complete object OF a subobject TO which the REFERENCE is bound persists for the lifetime of the reference except as specified below."

I used upper-case letters for the parts I think need to be changed.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

Change 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 5 as indicated:

The temporary to which the reference is bound or the temporary that is the complete object to of a subobject of to which the temporary reference is bound persists for the lifetime of the reference except as specified below.

464. Wording nit on lifetime of temporaries to which references are bound

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

Section 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 5 ends with this "rule":

For the temporary to be destroyed after obj2 is destroyed, when obj2 has static storage, I would say that the reference to the temporary should also have static storage, but that is IMHO not clear from the paragraph.

Example:

    void f ()
    {
       const T1& ref = T1();
       static T2 obj2;
       ...
    }

Here the temporary would be destoyed before obj2, contrary to the rule above.

Steve Adamczyk: I agree there's a minor issue here. I think the clause quoted above meant for obj1 and obj2 to have the same storage duration. Replacing "obj2 is an object with static or automatic storage duration" by "obj2 is an object with the same storage duration as obj1" would, I believe, fix the problem.

Notes from October 2004 meeting:

We agreed with Steve Adamczyk's suggestion.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

Change 12.2 [class.temporary] paragraph 5 as follows:

... In addition, the destruction of temporaries bound to references shall take into account the ordering of destruction of objects with static or automatic storage duration (3.7.1 [basic.stc.static], 3.7.2 [basic.stc.auto]); that is, if obj1 is an object with static or automatic storage duration created before the temporary is created with the same storage duration as the temporary, the temporary shall be destroyed before obj1 is destroyed; if obj2 is an object with static or automatic storage duration created after the temporary is created with the same storage duration as the temporary, the temporary shall be destroyed after obj2 is destroyed...

296. Can conversion functions be static?

[Moved to DR at October 2002 meeting.]

May user-defined conversion functions be static? That is, should this compile?

    class Widget {
    public:
      static operator bool() { return true; }
    };

All my compilers hate it. I hate it, too. However, I don't see anything in 12.3.2 [class.conv.fct] that makes it illegal. Is this a prohibition that arises from the grammar, i.e., the grammar doesn't allow "static" to be followed by a conversion-function-id in a member function declaration? Or am I just overlooking something obvious that forbids static conversion functions?

Proposed Resolution (4/02):

Add to 12.3.2 [class.conv.fct] as a new paragraph 7:

Conversion functions cannot be declared static.

244. Destructor lookup

[Moved to DR at October 2002 meeting.]

12.4 [class.dtor] contains this example:

    struct B {
        virtual ~B() { }
    };
    struct D : B {
        ~D() { }
    };

    D D_object;
    typedef B B_alias;
    B* B_ptr = &D_object;

    void f() {
        D_object.B::~B();               // calls B's destructor
        B_ptr->~B();                    // calls D's destructor
        B_ptr->~B_alias();              // calls D's destructor
        B_ptr->B_alias::~B();           // calls B's destructor
        B_ptr->B_alias::~B_alias();     // error, no B_alias in class B
    }

On the other hand, 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] contains this example:

    struct C {
        typedef int I;
    };
    typedef int I1, I2;
    extern int* p;
    extern int* q;
    p->C::I::~I();       // I is looked up in the scope of C
    q->I1::~I2();        // I2 is looked up in the scope of
                         // the postfix-expression
    struct A {
        ~A();
    };
    typedef A AB;
    int main()
    {
        AB *p;
        p->AB::~AB();    // explicitly calls the destructor for A
    }

Note that

     B_ptr->B_alias::~B_alias();

is claimed to be an error, while the equivalent

     p->AB::~AB();

is claimed to be well-formed.

I believe that clause 3 is correct and that clause 12 is in error. We worked hard to get the destructor lookup rules in clause 3 to be right, and I think we failed to notice that a change was also needed in clause 12.

Mike Miller:

Unfortunately, I don't believe 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] covers the case of p->AB::~AB(). It's clearly intended to do so, as evidenced by 3.4.3.1 [class.qual] paragraph 1 ("a destructor name is looked up as specified in 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual]"), but I don't think the language there does so.

The relevant paragraph is 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] paragraph 5. (None of the other paragraphs in that section deal with this topic at all.) It has two parts. The first is

If a pseudo-destructor-name (5.2.4 [expr.pseudo]) contains a nested-name-specifier, the type-names are looked up as types in the scope designated by the nested-name-specifier.

This sentence doesn't apply, because ~AB isn't a pseudo-destructor-name. 5.2.4 [expr.pseudo] makes clear that this syntactic production (5.2 [expr.post] paragraph 1) only applies to cases where the type-name is not a class-name. p->AB::~AB is covered by the production using id-expression.

The second part of 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] paragraph 5 says

In a qualified-id of the form:

::_opt nested-name-specifier ~ class-name

where the nested-name-specifier designates a namespace name, and in a qualified-id of the form:

::_opt nested-name-specifier class-name :: ~ class-name

the class-names are looked up as types in the scope designated by the nested-name-specifier.

This wording doesn't apply, either. The first one doesn't because the nested-name-specifier is a class-name, not a namespace name. The second doesn't because there's only one layer of qualification.

As far as I can tell, there's no normative text that specifies how the ~AB is looked up in p->AB::~AB(). 3.4.3.1 [class.qual], where all the other class member qualified lookups are handled, defers to 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual], and 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] doesn't cover the case.

See also issue 305.

Jason Merrill: My thoughts on the subject were that the name we use in a destructor call is really meaningless; as soon as we see the ~ we know what the user means, all we're doing from that point is testing their ability to name the destructor in a conformant way. I think that everyone will agree that

  anything::B::~B()

Anyone writing two different names here is either deliberately writing obfuscated code, trying to call the destructor of a nested class, or fighting an ornery compiler (i.e. one that still wants to see B_alias::~B()). I think we can ignore the first case. The third would be handled by reverting to the old rule (look up the name after ~ in the normal way) with the lexical matching exception described above -- or we could decide to break such code, do no lookup at all, and only accept a matching name. In a good implementation, the second should probably get an error message telling them to write Outer::Inner::~Inner instead.

We discussed this at the meetings, but I don't remember if we came to any sort of consensus on a direction. I see three options:

1. Stick with the status quo, i.e. the special lookup rule such that if the name before ::~ is a class name, the name after ::~ is looked up in the same scope as the previous one. If we choose this option, we just need better wording that actually expresses this, as suggested in the issue list. This option breaks old B_alias::~B code where B_alias is declared in a different scope from B.
2. Revert to the old rules, whereby the name after ::~ is looked up just like a name after ::, with the exception that if it matches the name before ::~ then it is considered to name the same class. This option supports old code and code that writes B_alias::~B_alias. It does not support the q->I1::~I2 usage of 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual], but that seems like deliberate obfuscation. This option is simpler to implement than #1.
3. Do no lookup for a name after ::~; it must match the name before. This breaks old code as #1, but supports the most important case where the names match. This option may be slightly simpler to implement than #2. It is certainly easier to teach.

My order of preference is 2, 3, 1.

Incidentally, it seems to me oddly inconsistent to allow Namespace::~Class, but not Outer::~Inner. Prohibiting the latter makes sense from the standpoint of avoiding ambiguity, but what was the rationale for allowing the former?

John Spicer: I agree that allowing Namespace::~Class is odd. I'm not sure where this came from. If we eliminated that special case, then I believe the #1 rule would just be that in A::B1::~B2 you look up B1 and B2 in the same place in all cases.

I don't like #2. I don't think the "old" rules represent a deliberate design choice, just an error in the way the lookup was described. The usage that rule permits p->X::~Y (where Y is a typedef to X defined in X), but I doubt people really do that. In other words, I think that #1 a more useful special case than #2 does, not that I think either special case is very important.

One problem with the name matching rule is handling cases like:

  A<int> *aip;

  aip->A<int>::~A<int>();  // should work
  aip->A<int>::~A<char>(); // should not

Proposed resolution (10/01):

Replace the normative text of 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] paragraph 5 after the first sentence with:

Similarly, in a qualified-id of the form:

    ::opt nested-name-specifieropt class-name :: ~ class-name

the second class-name is looked up in the same scope as the first.

In 12.4 [class.dtor] paragraph 12, change the example to

D D_object;
typedef B B_alias;
B* B_ptr = &D_object;

void f() {
  D_object.B::~B();                //  calls  B's destructor
  B_ptr->~B();                    //  calls  D's destructor
  B_ptr->~B_alias();              //  calls  D's destructor
  B_ptr->B_alias::~B();           //  calls  B's destructor
  B_ptr->B_alias::~B_alias();     //  calls  B's destructor
}

April 2003: See issue 399.

252. Looking up deallocation functions in virtual destructors

[Moved to DR at 10/01 meeting.]

There is a mismatch between 12.4 [class.dtor] paragraph 11 and 12.5 [class.free] paragraph 4 regarding the lookup of deallocation functions in virtual destructors. 12.4 [class.dtor] says,

At the point of definition of a virtual destructor (including an implicit definition (12.8 [class.copy])), non-placement operator delete shall be looked up in the scope of the destructor's class (3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual]) and if found shall be accessible and unambiguous. [Note: this assures that an operator delete corresponding to the dynamic type of an object is available for the delete-expression (12.5 [class.free]). ]

The salient features to note from this description are:

1. The lookup is "in the scope of the destructor's class," which implies that only members are found (cf 12.2 [class.temporary]). (The cross-reference would indicate otherwise, however, since it refers to the description of looking up unqualified names; this kind of lookup "spills over" into the surrounding scope.)
2. Only non-placement operator delete is looked up. Presumably this means that a placement operator delete is ignored in the lookup.

On the other hand, 12.5 [class.free] says,

If a delete-expression begins with a unary :: operator, the deallocation function's name is looked up in global scope. Otherwise, if the delete-expression is used to deallocate a class object whose static type has a virtual destructor, the deallocation function is the one found by the lookup in the definition of the dynamic type's virtual destructor (12.4 [class.dtor]). Otherwise, if the delete-expression is used to deallocate an object of class T or array thereof, the static and dynamic types of the object shall be identical and the deallocation function's name is looked up in the scope of T. If this lookup fails to find the name, the name is looked up in the global scope. If the result of the lookup is ambiguous or inaccessible, or if the lookup selects a placement deallocation function, the program is ill-formed.

Points of interest in this description include:

1. For a class type with a virtual destructor, the lookup is described as being "in the definition of the dynamic type's virtual destructor," rather than "in the scope of the dynamic type." That is, the lookup is assumed to be an unqualified lookup, presumably terminating in the global scope.
2. The assumption is made that the lookup in the virtual destructor was successful ("...the one found...", not "...the one found..., if any"). This will not be the case if the deallocation function was not declared as a member somewhere in the inheritance hierarchy.
3. The lookup in the non-virtual-destructor case does find placement deallocation functions and can fail as a result.

Suggested resolution: Change the description of the lookup in 12.4 [class.dtor] paragraph 11 to match the one in 12.5 [class.free] paragraph 4.

Proposed resolution (10/00):

1. Replace 12.4 [class.dtor] paragraph 11 with the following:

   At the point of definition of a virtual destructor (including an implicit definition), the non-array deallocation function is looked up in the scope of the destructor's class (10.2 [class.member.lookup]), and, if no declaration is found, the function is looked up in the global scope. If the result of this lookup is ambiguous or inaccessible, or if the lookup selects a placement deallocation function, the program is ill-formed. [Note: this assures that a deallocation function corresponding to the dynamic type of an object is available for the delete-expression (12.5 [class.free]).]

2. In 12.5 [class.free] paragraph 4, change

   ...the deallocation function is the one found by the lookup in the definition of the dynamic type's virtual destructor (12.4 [class.dtor]).

   to

   ...the deallocation function is the one selected at the point of definition of the dynamic type's virtual destructor (12.4 [class.dtor]).

272. Explicit destructor invocation and qualified-ids

[Moved to DR at 10/01 meeting.]

an explicit destructor call must always be written using a member access operator (5.2.5 [expr.ref]); in particular, the unary-expression ~X() in a member function is not an explicit destructor call (5.3.1 [expr.unary.op]).

This note is incorrect, as an explicit destructor call can be written as a qualified-id, e.g., X::~X(), which does not use a member access operator.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

Change 12.4 [class.dtor] paragraph 12 as follows:

[Note: an explicit destructor call must always be written using a member access operator (5.2.5 [expr.ref]) or a qualified-id (5.1 [expr.prim]); in particular, the unary-expression ~X() in a member function is not an explicit destructor call (5.3.1 [expr.unary.op]).]

510. Default initialization of POD classes?

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

8.5 [dcl.init] paragraph 10 makes it clear that non-static POD class objects with no initializer are left uninitialized and have an indeterminate initial value:

If no initializer is specified for an object, and the object is of (possibly cv-qualified) non-POD class type (or array thereof), the object shall be default-initialized; if the object is of const-qualified type, the underlying class type shall have a user-declared default constructor. Otherwise, if no initializer is specified for a non-static object, the object and its subobjects, if any, have an indeterminate initial value; if the object or any of its subobjects are of const-qualified type, the program is ill-formed.

12.6 [class.init] paragraph 1, however, implies that all class objects without initializers, whether POD or not, are default-initialized:

When no initializer is specified for an object of (possibly cv-qualified) class type (or array thereof), or the initializer has the form (), the object is initialized as specified in 8.5 [dcl.init]. The object is default-initialized if there is no initializer, or value-initialized if the initializer is ().

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

Remove the indicated words from 12.6 [class.init] paragraph 1:

When no initializer is specified for an object of (possibly cv-qualified) class type (or array thereof), or the initializer has the form (), the object is initialized as specified in 8.5 [dcl.init]. The object is default-initialized if there is no initializer, or value-initialized if the initializer is ().

162. (&C::f)() with nonstatic members

[Moved to DR at October 2002 meeting.]

13.3.1.1 [over.match.call] paragraph 3 says that when a call of the form

   (&C::f)()

This is clear, it's implementable, and it doesn't directly contradict anything else in the standard. However, I'm not sure it's consistent with some similar cases.

In 13.4 [over.over] paragraph 5, second example, it is made amply clear that when &C::f is used as the address of a function, e.g.,

   int (*pf)(int) = &C::f;

Similarly, 13.3.1.1.1 [over.call.func] paragraph 3 makes it clear that

   C::f();

Those paragraphs seem to suggest the general rule that you do overload resolution first and then you interpret the construct you have according to the function selected. The fact that there are static and nonstatic functions in the overload set is irrelevant; it's only necessary that the chosen function be static or nonstatic to match the context.

Given that, I think it would be more consistent if the (&C::f)() case would also do overload resolution first. If a nonstatic member is chosen, the program would be ill-formed.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

1. Change the indicated text in 13.3.1.1 [over.match.call] paragraph 3:

   The fourth case arises from a postfix-expression of the form &F, where F names a set of overloaded functions. In the context of a function call, the set of functions named by F shall contain only non-member functions and static member functions. [Footnote: If F names a non-static member function, &F is a pointer-to-member, which cannot be used with the function call syntax.] And in this context using &F behaves the same as using &F is treated the same as the name F by itself. Thus, (&F)(expression-list_opt) is simply (F)(expression-list_opt), which is discussed in 13.3.1.1.1 [over.call.func]. If the function selected by overload resolution according to 13.3.1.1.1 [over.call.func] is a nonstatic member function, the program is ill-formed. [Footnote: When F is a nonstatic member function, a reference of the form &A::F is a pointer-to-member, which cannot be used with the function-call syntax, and a reference of the form &F is an invalid use of the "&" operator on a nonstatic member function.] (The resolution of &F in other contexts is described in 13.4 [over.over].)

239. Footnote 116 and Koenig lookup

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Because of the usual name hiding rules, these will be introduced by declarations or by using-directives all found in the same block or all found at namespace scope.

At least in terms of the current state of the Standard, this is not correct: a block extern declaration does not prevent Koenig lookup from occurring. For example,

    enum E { zero };
    void f(E);
    void g() {
        void f(int);
        f(zero);
    }

In this example, the overload set will include declarations from both namespace and block scope.

(See also issue 12.)

Proposed resolution (04/01):

1. In 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] paragraph 2, change

   If the ordinary unqualified lookup of the name finds the declaration of a class member function, the associated namespaces and classes are not considered.

   to

   If the ordinary unqualified lookup of the name finds the declaration of a class member function, or a block-scope function declaration that is not a using-declaration, the associated namespaces and classes are not considered.

   and change the example to:

       namespace NS {
           class T { };
           void f(T);
           void g(T, int);
       }
       NS::T parm;
       void g(NS::T, float);
       int main() {
           f(parm);            // OK: calls NS::f
           extern void g(NS::T, float);
           g(parm, 1);         // OK: calls g(NS::T, float)
       }
   

2. In 13.3.1.1.1 [over.call.func] paragraph 3 from:

   If the name resolves to a non-member function declaration, that function and its overloaded declarations constitute the set of candidate functions.

   to

   If the name resolves to a set of non-member function declarations, that set of functions constitutes the set of candidate functions.

   Note that this text is also edited by issue 364. Also, remove the associated footnote 116.

364. Calling overloaded function with static in set, with no object

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

Consider this program:

   struct S {
     static void f (int);
     void f (char);
   };

   void g () {
     S::f ('a');
   }

G++ 3.1 rejects it, saying:

   test.C:7: cannot call member function `void S::f(char)' without object

Mark Mitchell: It looks to me like G++ is correct, given 13.3.1.1.1 [over.call.func]. This case is the "unqualified function call" case described in paragraph 3 of that section. ("Unqualified" here means that there is no "x->" or "x." in front of the call, not that the name is unqualified.)

That paragraph says that you first do name lookup. It then asks you to look at what declaration is returned. (That's a bit confusing; you presumably get a set of declarations. Or maybe not; the name lookup section says that if name lookup finds a non-static member in a context like this the program is in error. But surely this program is not erroneous. Hmm.)

Anyhow, you have -- at least -- "S::f(char)" as the result of the lookup.

The keyword "this" is not in scope, so "all overloaded declarations of the function name in T become candidate functions and a contrived object of type T becomes the implied object argument." That means we get both versions of "f" at this point. Then, "the call is ill-formed, however, if overload resolution selects one of the non-static members of T in this case." Since, in this case, "S::f(char)" is the winner, the program is ill-formed.

Steve Adamczyk: This result is surprising, because we've selected a function that we cannot call, when there is another function that can be called. This should either be ambiguous, or it should select the static member function. See also 13.3.1 [over.match.funcs] paragraph 2: "Similarly, when appropriate, the context can construct an argument list that contains an implied object argument..."

Notes from October 2002 meeting:

We agreed that g++ has it right, but the standard needs to be clearer.

Proposed resolution (October 2002, revised April 2003):

Change 13.3.1.1.1 [over.call.func] paragraphs 2 and 3 as follows:

In qualified function calls, the name to be resolved is an id-expression and is preceded by an -> or . operator. Since the construct A->B is generally equivalent to (*A).B, the rest of clause 13 [over] assumes, without loss of generality, that all member function calls have been normalized to the form that uses an object and the . operator. Furthermore, clause 13 [over] assumes that the postfix-expression that is the left operand of the . operator has type ``cv T'' where T denotes a class. [Footnote: Note that cv-qualifiers on the type of objects are significant in overload resolution for both lvalue and class rvalue objects. --- end footnote] Under this assumption, the id-expression in the call is looked up as a member function of T following the rules for looking up names in classes (10.2 [class.member.lookup]). If a member function is found, that function and its overloaded declarations The function declarations found by that lookup constitute the set of candidate functions. The argument list is the expression-list in the call augmented by the addition of the left operand of the . operator in the normalized member function call as the implied object argument (13.3.1 [over.match.funcs]).

In unqualified function calls, the name is not qualified by an -> or . operator and has the more general form of a primary-expression. The name is looked up in the context of the function call following the normal rules for name lookup in function calls (3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] 3.4 [basic.lookup]). If the name resolves to a non-member function declaration, that function and its overloaded declarations The function declarations found by that lookup constitute the set of candidate functions. [Footnote: Because of the usual name hiding rules, these will be introduced by declarations or by using-directives all found in the same block or all found at namespace scope. --- end footnote] Because of the rules for name lookup, the set of candidate functions consists (1) entirely of non-member functions or (2) entirely of member functions of some class T. In case (1), tThe argument list is the same as the expression-list in the call. If the name resolves to a nonstatic member function, then the function call is actually a member function call. In case (2), the argument list is the expression-list in the call augmented by the addition of an implied object argument as in a qualified function call. If the keyword this (9.3.2 [class.this]) is in scope and refers to the class T of that member function, or a derived class thereof of T, then the function call is transformed into a normalized qualified function call using implied object argument is(*this) as the postfix-expression to the left of the . operator. The candidate functions and argument list are as described for qualified function calls above. If the keyword this is not in scope or refers to another class, then name resolution found a static member of some class T. In this case, all overloaded declarations of the function name in T become candidate functions and a contrived object of type T becomes the implied object argument. [Footnote: An implied object argument must be contrived to correspond to the implicit object parameter attributed to member functions during overload resolution. It is not used in the call to the selected function. Since the member functions all have the same implicit object parameter, the contrived object will not be the cause to select or reject a function. --- end footnote] If the argument list is augmented by a contrived object and The call is ill-formed, however, if overload resolution selects one of the non-static member functions of T, the call is ill-formed in this case.

Note that issue 239 also edits paragraph 3.

280. Access and surrogate call functions

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

According to 13.3.1.1.2 [over.call.object] paragraph 2, when the primary-expression E in the function call syntax evaluates to a class object of type "cv T", a surrogate call function corresponding to an appropriate conversion function declared in a direct or indirect base class B of T is included or not included in the set of candidate functions based on class B being accessible.

For instance in the following code sample, as per the paragraph in question, the expression c(3) calls f2, instead of the construct being ill-formed due to the conversion function A::operator fp1 being inaccessible and its corresponding surrogate call function providing a better match than the surrogate call function corresponding to C::operator fp2:

    void  f1(int)  {   }
    void  f2(float)  {   }
    typedef void  (* fp1)(int);
    typedef void  (* fp2)(float);

    struct  A  {
       operator fp1()
       {   return  f1;   }
    };

    struct  B :  private A  {   };

    struct  C :  B  {
       operator  fp2()
       {   return  f2;   }
    };

    int  main()
    {
       C   c;
       c(3);  // f2 is called, instead of the construct being ill-formed.
       return  0;
    }

The fact that the accessibility of a base class influences the overload resolution process contradicts the fundamental language rule (3.4 [basic.lookup] paragraph 1, and 13.3 [over.match] paragraph 2) that access checks are applied only once name lookup and function overload resolution (if applicable) have succeeded.

Notes from 4/02 meeting:

There was some concern about whether 10.2 [class.member.lookup] (or anything else, for that matter) actually defines "ambiguous base class". See issue 39. See also issue 156.

Notes from October 2002 meeting:

It was suggested that the ambiguity check is done as part of the call of the conversion function.

Proposed resolution (revised October 2002):

In 13.3.1.1.2 [over.call.object] paragraph 2, replace the last sentence

Similarly, surrogate call functions are added to the set of candidate functions for each conversion function declared in an accessible base class provided the function is not hidden within T by another intervening declaration.

with

Similarly, surrogate call functions are added to the set of candidate functions for each conversion function declared in a base class of T provided the function is not hidden within T by another intervening declaration.

Replace 13.3.1.1.2 [over.call.object] paragraph 3

If such a surrogate call function is selected by overload resolution, its body, as defined above, will be executed to convert E to the appropriate function and then to invoke that function with the arguments of the call.

If such a surrogate call function is selected by overload resolution, the corresponding conversion function will be called to convert E to the appropriate function pointer or reference, and the function will then be invoked with the arguments of the call. If the conversion function cannot be called (e.g., because of an ambiguity), the program is ill-formed.

416. Class must be complete to allow operator lookup?

[Voted into WP at October 2004 meeting.]

Normally reference semantics allow incomplete types in certain contexts, but isn't this:

  class A;

  A& operator<<(A& a, const char* msg);
  void foo(A& a)
  {
    a << "Hello";
  }

required to be diagnosed because of the op<<? The reason being that the class may actually have an op<<(const char *) in it.

What is it? un- or ill-something? Diagnosable? No problem at all?

Steve Adamczyk: I don't know of any requirement in the standard that the class be complete. There is a rule that will instantiate a class template in order to be able to see whether it has any operators. But I wouldn't think one wants to outlaw the above example merely because the user might have an operator<< in the class; if he doesn't, he would not be pleased that the above is considered invalid.

Mike Miller: Hmm, interesting question. My initial reaction is that it just uses ::operator<<; any A::operator<< simply won't be considered in overload resolution. I can't find anything in the Standard that would say any different.

The closest analogy to this situation, I'd guess, would be deleting a pointer to an incomplete class; 5.3.5 [expr.delete] paragraph 5 says that that's undefined behavior if the complete type has a non-trivial destructor or an operator delete. However, I tend to think that that's because it deals with storage and resource management, not just because it might have called a different function. Generally, overload resolution that goes one way when it might have gone another with more declarations in scope is considered to be not an error, cf 7.3.3 [namespace.udecl] paragraph 9, 14.6.3 [temp.nondep] paragraph 1, etc.

So my bottom line take on it would be that it's okay, it's up to the programmer to ensure that all necessary declarations are in scope for overload resolution. Worst case, it would be like the operator delete in an incomplete class -- undefined behavior, and thus not required to be diagnosed.

13.3.1.2 [over.match.oper] paragraph 3, bullet 1, says, "If T1 is a class type, the set of member candidates is the result of the qualified lookup of T1::operator@ (13.3.1.1.1 [over.call.func])." Obviously, that lookup is not possible if T1 is incomplete. Should 13.3.1.2 [over.match.oper] paragraph 3, bullet 1, say "complete class type"? Or does the inability to perform the lookup mean that the program is ill-formed? 3.2 [basic.def.odr] paragraph 4 doesn't apply, I don't think, because you don't know whether you'll be applying a class member access operator until you know whether the operator involved is a member or not.

Notes from October 2003 meeting:

We noticed that the title of this issue did not match the body. We checked the original source and then corrected the title (so it no longer mentions templates).

We decided that this is similar to other cases like deleting a pointer to an incomplete class, and it should not be necessary to have a complete class. There is no undefined behavior.

Proposed Resolution (October 2003):

Change the first bullet of 13.3.1.2 [over.match.oper] paragraph 3 to read:

If T1 is a complete class type, the set of member candidates is the result of the qualified lookup of T1::operator@ (13.3.1.1.1 [over.call.func]); otherwise, the set of member candidates is empty.

60. Reference binding and valid conversion sequences

[Moved to DR at October 2002 meeting.]

Does dropping a cv-qualifier on a reference binding prevent the binding as far as overload resolution is concerned? Paragraph 4 says "Other restrictions on binding a reference to a particular argument do not affect the formation of a conversion sequence." This was intended to refer to things like access checking, but some readers have taken that to mean that any aspects of reference binding not mentioned in this section do not preclude the binding.

Proposed resolution (10/01):

In 13.3.3.1.4 [over.ics.ref] paragraph 4 add the indicated text:

Other restrictions on binding a reference to a particular argument that are not based on the types of the reference and the argument do not affect the formation of a standard conversion sequence, however.

115. Address of template-id

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

    template <class T> void f(T);
    template <class T> void g(T);
    template <class T> void g(T,T);

    int main()
    {
        (&f<int>);
        (&g<int>);
    }

13.4 [over.over] paragraph 1 says that a function template name is considered to name a set of overloaded functions. I believe it should be expanded to say that a function template name with an explicit template argument list is also considered to name a set of overloaded functions.

In the general case, you need to have a destination type in order to identify a unique function. While it is possible to permit this, I don't think it is a good idea because such code depends on there only being one template of that name that is visible.

The EDG front end issues an error on this use of "f". egcs 1.1.1 allows it, but the most current snapshot of egcs that I have also issues an error on it.

It has been pointed out that when dealing with nontemplates, the rules for taking the address of a single function differ from the rules for an overload set, but this asymmetry is needed for C compatibility. This need does not exist for the template case.

My feeling is that a general rule is better than a general rule plus an exception. The general rule is that you need a destination type to be sure that the operation will succeed. The exception is when there is only one template in the set and only then when you provide values for all of the template arguments.

It is true that in some cases you can provide a shorthand, but only if you encourage a fragile coding style (that will cause programs to break when additional templates are added).

I think the standard needs to specify one way or the other how this case should be handled. My recommendation would be that it is ill-formed.

Nico Josuttis: Consider the following example:

    template <int VAL>
    int add (int elem)
    {
	return elem + VAL;
    }

    std::transform(coll.begin(), coll.end(),
		   coll.begin(),
		   add<10>);

If John's recommendation is adopted, this code will become ill-formed. I bet there will be a lot of explanation for users necessary why this fails and that they have to change add<10> to something like (int (*)(int))add<10>.

This example code is probably common practice because this use of the STL is typical and is accepted in many current implementations. I strongly urge that this issue be resolved in favor of keeping this code valid.

Bill Gibbons: I find this rather surprising. Shouldn't a template-id which specifies all of the template arguments be treated like a declaration-only explicit instantiation, producing a set of ordinary function declarations? And when that set happens to contain only one function, shouldn't the example code work?

(See also issue 250.)

Notes from 04/01 meeting:

The consensus of the group was that the add example should not be an error.

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

In 13.4 add to the end of paragraph 2:

[Note: As described in 14.8.1 [temp.arg.explicit], if deduction fails and the function template name is followed by an explicit template argument list, the template-id is then examined to see whether it identifies a single function template specialization. If it does, the template-id is considered to be an lvalue for that function template specialization. The target type is not used in that determination.]

In 14.8.1 [temp.arg.explicit] paragraph 2 insert before the first example:

In contexts where deduction is done and fails, or in contexts where deduction is not done, if a template argument list is specified and it, along with any default template arguments, identifies a single function template specialization, then the template-id is an lvalue for the function template specialization.

Change the first example of 14.8.1 [temp.arg.explicit] paragraph 2:

  template<class X, class Y> X f(Y);
  void g()
  {
    int i = f<int>(5.6);    // Y is deduced to be double
    int j = f(5.6);         // ill-formed: X cannot be deduced
  }

  template<class X, class Y> X f(Y);
  void g()
  {
    int i = f<int>(5.6);    // Y is deduced to be double
    int j = f(5.6);         // ill-formed: X cannot be deduced
    f<void>(f<int, bool>);  // Y for outer f deduced to be
                            //   int (*)(bool)
    f<void>(f<int>);        // ill-formed: f<int> does not denote a
                            //   single template function specialization
  }

Note: This interacts with the resolution of issue 226 (default template arguments for function templates).

221. Must compound assignment operators be member functions?

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Is the intent of 13.5.3 [over.ass] paragraph 1 that all assignment operators be non-static member functions (including operator+=, operator*=, etc.) or only simple assignment operators (operator=)?

Notes from 04/00 meeting:

Nearly all references to "assignment operator" in the IS mean operator= and not the compound assignment operators. The ARM was specific that this restriction applied only to operator=. If it did apply to compound assignment operators, it would be impossible to overload these operators for bool operands.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

1. Change the title of 5.17 [expr.ass] from "Assignment operators" to "Assignment and compound assignment operators."

2. Change the first sentence of 5.17 [expr.ass] paragraph 1 from

   There are several assignment operators, all of which group right-to-left. All require a modifiable lvalue as their left operand, and the type of an assignment expression is that of its left operand. The result of the assignment operation is the value stored in the left operand after the assignment has taken place; the result is an lvalue.

   to

   The assignment operator (=) and the compound assignment operators all group right-to-left. All require a modifiable lvalue as their left operand and return an lvalue with the type and value of the left operand after the assignment has taken place.

Additional note (10/00): Paragraphs 2-6 of 5.17 [expr.ass] should all be understood to apply to simple assignment only and not to compound assignment operators.

420. postfixexpression->scalar_type_dtor() inconsistent

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

Lets start with the proposed solution. In 13.5.6 [over.ref], replace line ...

postfix-expression -> id-expression

postfix-expression -> template_opt id-expression
postfix-expression -> pseudo-destructor-name

Alternatively remove the sentence "It implements class member access using ->" and the syntax line following.

Reasons:

Currently stdc++ is inconsistent when handling expressions of the form "postfixexpression->scalar_type_dtor()": If "postfixexpression" is a pointer to the scalar type, it is OK, but if "postfixexpression" refers to any smart pointer class (e.g. iterator or allocator::pointer) with class specific CLASS::operator->() returning pointer to the scalar type, then it is ill-formed; so while c++98 does allow CLASS::operator->() returning pointer to scalar type, c++98 prohibits any '->'-expression involving this overloaded operator function.

Not only is this behaviour inconsistent, but also when comparing the corresponding chapters of c++pl2 and stdc++98 it looks like an oversight and unintended result. Mapping between stdc++98 and c++pl2:

c++pl2.r.5.2 -> 5.2 [expr.post]
c++pl2.r.5.2.4 -> 5.2.4 [expr.pseudo] + 5.2.5 [expr.ref]
c++pl2.r.13.4 -> 13.3.1.2 [over.match.oper]
c++pl2.r.13.4.6 -> 13.5.6 [over.ref]

Additionally GCC32 does is right (but against 13.5.6 [over.ref]).

AFAICS this would not break old code except compilers like VC7x and Comeau4301.

It does not add new functionality, cause any expression class_type->scalar_type_dtor() even today can be substituted through (*class_type).scalar_type_dtor().

Without this fix, template functions like some_allocator<T>::destroy(p) must use "(*p).~T()" or "(*p).T::~T()" when calling the destructor, otherwise the simpler versions "p->~T()" or "p->T::~T()" could be used.

Sample code, compiled with GCC32, VC7[1] and Comeau4301:

struct A {};//any class

template <class T>
struct PTR
    {
    T& operator*  () const;
    T* operator-> () const;
    };

template <class T>
void f ()
    {
        {
        T*  p               ;
        p = new T           ;
        (*p).T::~T()        ;//OK
        p = new T           ;
        (*p).~T()           ;//OK
        p = new T           ;
        p->T::~T()          ;//OK
        p = new T           ;
        p->~T()             ;//OK
        }

        {
        PTR<T> p = PTR<T>() ;
        (*p).T::~T()        ;//OK
        (*p).~T()           ;//OK
        p.operator->()      ;//OK !!!
        p->T::~T()          ;//GCC32: OK; VC7x,Com4301: OK for A; ERROR w/ int
        p->~T()             ;//GCC32: OK; VC7x,Com4301: OK for A; ERROR w/ int
        }
    }

void test ()
    {
    f <A>  ();
    f <int>();
    }

Proposed resolution (April, 2005):

Change 13.5.6 [over.ref] paragraph 1 as indicated:

operator-> shall be a non-static member function taking no parameters. It implements the class member access using syntax that uses ->

postfix-expression -> template_opt id-expression
postfix-expression -> pseudo-destructor-name

An expression x->m is interpreted as (x.operator->())->m for a class object x of type T if T::operator->() exists and if the operator is selected as the best match function by the overload resolution mechanism (13.3 [over.match]).

425. Set of candidates for overloaded built-in operator with float operand

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

During a discussion over at the boost mailing list (www.boost.org), we came across the following "puzzle":

  struct A {
    template< typename T > operator T() const;
  } a;

  template<> A::operator float() const
  {
    return 1.0f;
  }

  int main()
  {
    float f = 1.0f * a;
  }

The code is compiled without errors or warnings from EDG-based compilers (Comeau, Intel), but rejected from others (GCC, MSVC [7.1]). The question: Who is correct? Where should I file the bug report?

To explain the problem: The EDG seems to see 1.0f*a as a call to the unambiguous operator*(float,float) and thus casts 'a' to 'float'. The other compilers have several operators (float*float, float*double, float*int, ...) available and thus can't decide which cast is appropriate. I think the latter is the correct behaviour, but I'd like to hear some comments from the language lawyers about the standard's point of view on this problem.

Andreas Hommel: Our compiler also rejects this code:

Error   : function call 'operator*(float, {lval} A)' is ambiguous
'operator*(float, unsigned long long)'
'operator*(float, int)'
'operator*(float, unsigned int)'
'operator*(float, long)'
'operator*(float, unsigned long)'
'operator*(float, float)'
'operator*(float, double)'
'operator*(float, long double)'
'operator*(float, long long)'
Test.cp line 12       float f = 1.0f * a;

Is this example really legal? It was my understanding that all candidates from 13.6 [over.built] participate in overload resolution.

Daveed Vandevoorde: I believe the EDG-based compiler is right. Note that the built-in operator* requires "usual arithmetic conversions" (see 5.6 [expr.mul] paragraph 2 and 5 [expr] paragaph 9). This means that there is no candidate taking (float, double) arguments: Only (float, float) or (double, double).

Since your first argument is of type float, the (float, float) case is preferred over the (double, double) case (the latter would require a floating-point promotion).

Stave Adamczyk: Daveed's statement is wrong; as Andreas says, the prototypes in 13.6 [over.built] paragraph 12 have pairs of types, not the same type twice. However, the list of possibilities considered in Andreas' message is wrong also: 13.6 [over.built] paragraph 12 calls for pairs of promoted arithmetic types, and float is not a promoted type (it promotes to double -- see 4.6 [conv.fpprom]).

Nevertheless, the example is ambiguous. Let's look at the overload resolution costs. The right operand is always going to have a user-defined-conversion cost (the template conversion function will convert directly to the const version of the second parameter of the prototype). The left operand is always going to have a promotion (float --> double) or a standard conversion (anything else). So the cases with promotions are better than the others. However, there are several of those cases, with second parameters of type int, unsigned int, long, unsigned long, double, and long double, and all of those are equally good. Therefore the example is ambiguous.

Here's a reduced version that should be equivalent:

  struct A {
    template <typename T> operator T() const;
  } a;
  void f(double, int);
  void f(double, unsigned int);
  void f(double, long);
  void f(double, unsigned long);
  void f(double, double);
  void f(double, long double);
  int main() {
    f(1.0f, a);  // Ambiguous
  }

Personally, I think this is evidence that 13.6 [over.built] doesn't really do quite what it should. But the standard is clear, if possibly flawed.

Andreas Hommel: You are right, "float" is not a promoted arithmetic type, this is a bug in our compiler.

However, the usual arithmetic conversions (5 [expr] paragraph 9) do not promote the floating point types, so

  float operator+(float, float);

Steve Adamczyk: Hmm, the definition of the term in 13.6 [over.built] paragraph 2 is highly ambiguous:

Similarly, the term promoted arithmetic type refers to promoted integral types plus floating types.

Proposed Resolution (October 2003):

Change the second sentence of 13.6 paragraph 2 as follows:

Similarly, the term promoted arithmetic type refers to promoted integral types plus floating types floating types plus promoted integral types.

204. Exported class templates

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

14 [temp] paragraph 7 allows class templates to be declared exported, including member classes and member class templates (implicitly by virtue of exporting the containing template class). However, paragraph 8 does not exclude exported class templates from the statement that

An exported template need only be declared (and not necessarily defined) in a translation unit in which it is instantiated.

If an implicit instantiation of a class template specialization is required and the template is declared but not defined, the program is ill-formed.

A definition of a class template or a class member template shall be in scope at the point of the explicit instantiation of the class template or class member template.

Suggested resolution:

• Change 14 [temp] paragraph 8 to say that "An exported non-class template need only be declared..."
• Change 14.7.1 [temp.inst] paragraph 6 to use wording similar to that of 14.7.2 [temp.explicit] paragraph 3 regarding the requirement for a definition of the class template to be in scope.

(See also issue 212.)

Notes from 04/00 meeting:

John Spicer opined that even though 14 [temp] paragraph 7 speaks of "declaring a class template exported," that does not mean that the class template is "an exported template" in the sense of paragraph 8. He suggested clarifying paragraph 7 to that effect instead of the change to paragraph 8 suggested above, and questioned the need for a change to 14.7.1 [temp.inst].

Notes from the 4/02 meeting:

This is resolved by the proposed changes for issue 323.

323. Where must export appear?

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

The standard doesn't seem to describe whether the keyword export should appear on exported template declarations that are not used or defined in that particular translation unit.

For example:

  // File 1:
  template<typename T> void f();  // export omitted

  // File 2:
  export template<typename T> void f() {}

  int main() { f<int>(); }

Another example is:

  // File 1:
  struct S {
     template<typename T> void m();
  };

  // File 2:
  struct S {
     template<typename T> void m();
  };

  export template<typename T> void S::m() {}

  int main() {
     S s;
     S.m<int>();
  }

I think both examples should be clarified to be invalid. If a template is exported in one translation unit, it should be declared export in all translation units in which it appears.

With the current wording, it seems that even the following is valid:

  // File 1:
  export template<typename T> void f();  // export effectively ignored

  // File 2:
  template<typename T> void f() {}  // Inclusion model
  void g() { f<int>(); }

  // File 3:
  void g();
  template<typename T> void f() {}  // Inclusion model

  int main() {
     g();
     f<int>();
  }

In fact, I think the declaration in "File 1" could be a definition and this would still satisfy the the requirements of the standard, which definitely seems wrong.

Proposed Resolution (revised October 2002):

Replace 14 [temp] paragraphs 6, 7, and 8 by the following text:

A template-declaration may be preceded by the export keyword. Such a template is said to be exported. Declaring exported a class template is equivalent to declaring exported all of its non-inline member functions, static data members, member classes, member class templates, and non-inline member function templates.

If a template is exported in one translation unit, it shall be exported in all translation units in which it appears; no diagnostic is required. A declaration of an exported template shall appear with the export keyword before any point of instantiation (14.6.4.1 [temp.point]) of that template in that translation unit. In addition, the first declaration of an exported template containing the export keyword must not follow the definition of that template. The export keyword shall not be used in a friend declaration.

Templates defined in an unnamed namespace, inline functions, and inline function templates shall not be exported. An exported non-class template shall be defined only once in a program; no diagnostic is required. An exported non-class template need only be declared (and not necessarily defined) in a translation unit in which it is instantiated.

A non-exported non-class template must be defined in every translation unit in which it is implicitly instantiated (14.7.1 [temp.inst]), unless the corresponding specialization is explicitly instantiated (14.7.2 [temp.explicit]) in some translation unit; no diagnostic is required.

Note: This change also resolves issues 204 and 335.

335. Allowing export on template members of nontemplate classes

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

The syntax for "export" permits it only on template declarations. Clause 14 [temp] paragraph 6 further restricts "export" to appear only on namespace scope declarations. This means that you can't export a member template of a non-template class, as in:

  class A {
    template <class T> void f(T);
  };

  export template <class T> void A<T>::f(T){}

There is also the issue of whether or not we should permit this usage:

  export struct A {
    template <class T> void f(T);
  };

If we eliminate the requirement that "export" precede "template" there is a similar issue regarding this case, which is currently prohibited:

  template <class T> struct B {
    export void f();
  };

Notes from the 4/02 meeting:

This is resolved by the proposed changes for issue 323.

534. template-names and operator-function-ids

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

Taken literally, 14 [temp] paragraph 2 does not permit operator functions to be templates:

In a function template declaration, the declarator-id shall be a template-name (i.e., not a template-id).

and, in 14.2 [temp.names] paragraph 1, a template-name is defined to be simply an identifier.

Issue 301 considered and rejected the idea of changing the definition of template-name to include operator-function-ids and conversion-function-ids. Either that decision should be reconsidered or the various references in the text to template-name should be examined to determine if they should also mention the non-identifier possibilities for function template names.

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

This issue is resolved by the resolution of issue 301.

184. Default arguments in template template-parameters

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

John Spicer: Where can default values for the template parameters of template template parameters be specified and where so they apply?

For normal template parameters, defaults can be specified only in class template declarations and definitions, and they accumulate across multiple declarations in the same way that function default arguments do.

I think that defaults for parameters of template template parameters should be handled differently, though. I see no reason why such a default should extend beyond the template declaration with which it is associated. In other words, such defaults are a property of a specific template declaration and are not part of the interface of the template.

    template <class T = float> struct B {};

    template <template <class _T = float> class T> struct A {
        inline void f();
        inline void g();
    };

    template <template <class _T> class T> void A<T>::f() {
        T<> t;  // Okay? (proposed answer - no)
    }

    template <template <class _T = char> class T> // Okay? (proposed answer - yes)
    void A<T>::g() {
        T<> t;  // T<char> or T<float>?  (proposed answer - T<char>)
    }

    int main() {
        A<B> ab;
        ab.f();
    }

I don't think this is clear in the standard.

Gabriel Dos Reis: On the other hand I fail to see the reasons why we should introduce yet another special rule to handle that situation differently. I think we should try to keep rules as uniform as possible. For default values, it has been the case that one should look for any declaration specifying default values. Breaking that rules doesn't buy us anything, at least as far as I can see. My feeling is that [allowing different defaults in different declarations] is very confusing.

Mike Miller: I'm with John on this one. Although we don't have the concept of "prototype scope" for template parameter lists, the analogy with function parameters would suggest that the two declarations of T (in the template class definition and the template member function definition) are separate declarations and completely unrelated. While it's true that you accumulate default arguments on top-level declarations in the same scope, it seems to me a far leap to say that we ought also to accumulate default arguments in nested declarations. I would expect those to be treated as being in different scopes and thus not to share default argument information.

When you look up the name T in the definition of A<T>::f(), the declaration you find has no default argument for the parameter of T, so T<> should not be allowed.

Proposed Resolution (revised October 2002):

In 14.1 [temp.param], add the following as a new paragraph at the end of this section:

A template-parameter of a template template-parameter is permitted to have a default template-argument. When such default arguments are specified, they apply to the template template-parameter in the scope of the template template-parameter. [Example:

    template <class T = float> struct B {};

    template <template <class TT = float> class T> struct A {
        inline void f();
        inline void g();
    };

    template <template <class TT> class T> void A<T>::f() {
        T<> t;  // error - TT has no default template argument
    }

    template <template <class TT = char> class T>void A<T>::g() {
        T<> t;  // OK - T<char>
    }

-- end example]

215. Template parameters are not allowed in nested-name-specifiers

[Voted into WP at April, 2007 meeting.]

According to 14.1 [temp.param] paragraph 3, the following fragment is ill-formed:

    template <class T>
    class X{
      friend void T::foo();
    };

In the friend declaration, the T:: part is a nested-name-specifier (8 [dcl.decl] paragraph 4), and T must be a class-name or a namespace-name (5.1 [expr.prim] paragraph 7). However, according to 14.1 [temp.param] paragraph 3, it is only a type-name. The fragment should be well-formed, and instantiations of the template allowed as long as the actual template argument is a class which provides a function member foo. As a result of this defect, any usage of template parameters in nested names is ill-formed, e.g., in the example of 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 2.

Notes from 04/00 meeting:

The discussion at the meeting revealed a self-contradiction in the current IS in the description of nested-name-specifiers. According to the grammar in 5.1 [expr.prim] paragraph 7, the components of a nested-name-specifier must be either class-names or namespace-names, i.e., the constraint is syntactic rather than semantic. On the other hand, 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] paragraph 1 describes a semantic constraint: only object, function, and enumerator names are ignored in the lookup for the component, and the program is ill-formed if the lookup finds anything other than a class-name or namespace-name. It was generally agreed that the syntactic constraint should be eliminated, i.e., that the grammar ought to be changed not to use class-or-namespace-name.

A related point is the explicit prohibition of use of template parameters in elaborated-type-specifiers in 7.1.6.3 [dcl.type.elab] paragraph 2. This rule was the result of an explicit Committee decision and should not be unintentionally voided by the resolution of this issue.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

Change 5.1 [expr.prim] paragraph 7 and A.4 [gram.expr] from

nested-name-specifier:
class-or-namespace-name :: nested-name-specifier_opt
class-or-namespace-name :: template nested-name-specifier

class-or-namespace-name:
class-name
namespace-name

to

nested-name-specifier:
type-or-namespace-name :: nested-name-specifier_opt
type-or-namespace-name :: template nested-name-specifier

type-or-namespace-name:
type-name
namespace-name

This resolution depends on the resolutions for issues 245 (to change the name lookup rules in elaborated-type-specifiers to include all type-names) and 283 (to categorize template type-parameters as type-names).

Notes from 10/01 meeting:

There was some sentiment for going with simply identifier in front of the "::", and stronger sentiment for going with something with a more descriptive name if possible. See also issue 180.

Notes from April 2003 meeting:

This was partly resolved by the changes for issue 125. However, we also need to add a semantic check in 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] to allow T::foo and we need to reword the first sentence of 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual].

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

Change 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] paragraph 1 as follows:

The name of a class or namespace member can be referred to after the :: scope resolution operator (5.1 [expr.prim]) applied to a nested-name-specifier that nominates its class or namespace. During the lookup for a name preceding the :: scope resolution operator, object, function, and enumerator names are ignored. If the name found is not a class-name (clause 9 [class]) or namespace-name (7.3.1 [namespace.def]) does not designate a class or namespace, the program is ill-formed. [...]

Notes from the April, 2005 meeting:

The 10/2004 resolution does not take into account the fact that template type parameters do not designate class types in the context of the template definition. Further drafting is required.

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

Change 3.4.3 [basic.lookup.qual] paragraph 1 as follows:

The name of a class or namespace member can be referred to after the :: scope resolution operator (5.1 [expr.prim]) applied to a nested-name-specifier that nominates its class or namespace. During the lookup for a name preceding the :: scope resolution operator, object, function, and enumerator names are ignored. If the name found is not a class-name (clause 9 [class]) or namespace-name (7.3.1 [namespace.def]) does not designate a namespace or a class or dependent type, the program is ill-formed. [...]

226. Default template arguments for function templates

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

The prohibition of default template arguments for function templates is a misbegotten remnant of the time where freestanding functions were treated as second class citizens and required all template arguments to be deduced from the function arguments rather than specified.

The restriction seriously cramps programming style by unnecessarily making freestanding functions different from member functions, thus making it harder to write STL-style code.

Suggested resolution:

Replace

A default template-argument shall not be specified in a function template declaration or a function template definition, nor in the template-parameter-list of the definition of a member of a class template.

by

A default template-argument shall not be specified in the template-parameter-list of the definition of a member of a class template.

The actual rules are as stated for arguments to class templates.

Notes from 10/00 meeting:

The core language working group was amenable to this change. Questions arose, however, over the interaction between default template arguments and template argument deduction: should it be allowed or forbidden to specify a default argument for a deduced parameter? If it is allowed, what is the meaning: should one or the other have priority, or is it an error if the default and deduced arguments are different?

Notes from the 10/01 meeting:

It was decided that default arguments should be allowed on friend declarations only when the declaration is a definition. It was also noted that it is not necessary to insist that if there is a default argument for a given parameter all following parameters have default arguments, because (unlike in the class case) arguments can be deduced if they are not specified.

Note that there is an interaction with issue 115.

Proposed resolution (revised October 2002):

1. In 14.1 [temp.param] paragraph 9, replace

   A default template-argument may be specified in a class template declaration or a class template definition. A default template-argument shall not be specified in a function template declaration or a function template definition, nor in the template-parameter-list of the definition of a member of a class template.

   with

   A default template-argument may be specified in a template declaration. A default template-argument shall not be specified in the template-parameter-lists of the definition of a member of a class template that appears outside of the member's class.

2. In 14.1 [temp.param] paragraph 9, replace

   A default template-argument shall not be specified in a friend template declaration.

   with

   A default template-argument shall not be specified in a friend class template declaration. If a friend function template declaration specifies a default template-argument, that declaration shall be a definition and shall be the only declaration of the function template in the translation unit.

3. In 14.1 [temp.param] paragraph 11, replace

   If a template-parameter has a default template-argument, all subsequent template-parameters shall have a default template-argument supplied.

   with

   If a template-parameter of a class template has a default template-argument, all subsequent template-parameters shall have a default template-argument supplied. [Note: This is not a requirement for function templates because template arguments might be deduced (14.8.2 [temp.deduct]).]

4. In 14.8 [temp.fct.spec] paragraph 1, replace

   Template arguments can either be explicitly specified when naming the function template specialization or be deduced (14.8.2 [temp.deduct]) from the context, e.g. from the function arguments in a call to the function template specialization.

   with

   Template arguments can be explicitly specified when naming the function template specialization, deduced from the context (14.8.2 [temp.deduct]), e.g., deduced from the function arguments in a call to the function template specialization), or obtained from default template arguments.

5. In 14.8.1 [temp.arg.explicit] paragraph 2, replace

   Trailing template arguments that can be deduced (14.8.2 [temp.deduct]) may be omitted from the list of explicit template-arguments.

   with

   Trailing template arguments that can be deduced (14.8.2 [temp.deduct]) or obtained from default template-arguments may be omitted from the list of explicit template-arguments.

6. In 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 1, replace

   The values can be either explicitly specified or, in some cases, deduced from the use.

   with

   The values can be explicitly specified or, in some cases, be deduced from the use or obtained from default template-arguments.

7. In 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 4, replace

   The resulting substituted and adjusted function type is used as the type of the function template for template argument deduction. When all template arguments have been deduced, all uses of template parameters in nondeduced contexts are replaced with the corresponding deduced argument values. If the substitution results in an invalid type, as described above, type deduction fails.

   with

   The resulting substituted and adjusted function type is used as the type of the function template for template argument deduction. If a template argument has not been deduced, its default template argument, if any, is used. [Example:

       template <class T, class U = double>
       void f(T t = 0, U u = 0);
   
       void g()
       {
           f(1, 'c');         // f<int,char>(1,'c')
           f(1)               // f<int,double>(1,0)
           f();               // error: T cannot be deduced
           f<int>();          // f<int,double>(0,0)
           f<int,char>();     // f<int,char>(0,0)
       }
   

   ---end example]

   When all template arguments have been deduced or obtained from default template arguments, all uses of template parameters in nondeduced contexts are replaced with the corresponding deduced or default argument values. If the substitution results in an invalid type, as described above, type deduction fails.

401. When is access for template parameter default arguments checked?

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

Is the following well-formed?

  class policy {};
  class policy_interface {};
  template <class POLICY_INTERFACE>
  class aph {
  protected:
    typedef POLICY_INTERFACE PI;
  };
  template <class POLICY, class BASE, class PI = typename BASE::PI>
  class ConcretePolicyHolder : public BASE, protected POLICY
  {};
  ConcretePolicyHolder < policy , aph < policy_interface > > foo;
  void xx() { }

The issue is whether the access to the default argument type BASE::PI is checked before or after it is known that BASE is a base class of the template. To some extent, one needs to develop the list of template arguments (and therefore evaluate the default argument) before one can instantiate the template, and one does not know what base classes the template has until it has been instantiated.

Notes from April 2003 meeting:

Shortened example:

  class B {
  protected:
    typedef int A;
  };
  template<class T, class U = typename T::A>
  class X : public T
  { };

The convincing argument here is that if we had only the declaration of the template (including the default argument), we would expect it to be usable in exactly the same way as the version with the definition. However, the special access needed is visible only when the definition is available. So the above should be an error, and information from the definition cannot affect the access of the default arguments.

Proposed Resolution (April 2003):

Add a new paragraph 16 to 14.1 [temp.param] after paragraph 15:

Since a default template-argument is encountered before any base-clause there is no special access to members used in a default template-argument. [Example:

  class B {};
  template <class T> class C {
  protected:
     typedef T TT;
  };

  template <class U, class V = typename U::TT>
  class D : public U {};

  D <C<B> > d;  // access error, C::TT is protected

--- end example]

Notes from October 2003 meeting:

We decided that template parameter default arguments should have their access checked in the context where they appear without special access for the entity declared (i.e., they are different than normal function default arguments). One reason: we don't know the instance of the template when we need the value. Second reason: compilers want to parse and throw away the form of the template parameter default argument, not save it and check it for each instantiation.

Class templates should be treated the same as function templates in this regard. The base class information is in the same category as friend declarations inside the class itself -- not available. If the body were used one would need to instantiate it in order to know whether one can name it.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

Add the following as a new paragraph following the last paragraph of 11 [class.access] (but before the new paragraph inserted by the resolution of issue 372, if adopted):

The names in a default template-argument (14.1 [temp.param]) have their access checked in the context in which they appear rather than at any points of use of the default template-argument. [Example:

    class B {};
    template <class T> class C {
    protected:
       typedef T TT;
    };

    template <class U, class V = typename U::TT>
    class D : public U {};

    D <C<B> >* d;  // access error, C::TT is protected

—end example]

228. Use of template keyword with non-member templates

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

Consider the following example:

    template<class T>
    struct X {
       virtual void f();
    };

    template<class T>
    struct Y {
       void g(X<T> *p) {
	  p->template X<T>::f();
       }
    };

This is an error because X is not a member template; 14.2 [temp.names] paragraph 5 says:

If a name prefixed by the keyword template is not the name of a member template, the program is ill-formed.

In a way this makes perfect sense: X is found to be a template using ordinary lookup even though p has a dependent type. However, I think this makes the use of the template prefix even harder to teach.

Was this intentionally outlawed?

Proposed Resolution (4/02):

Elide the first use of the word "member" in 14.2 [temp.names] paragraph 5 so that its first sentence reads:

If a name prefixed by the keyword template is not the name of a member template, the program is ill-formed.

301. Syntax for template-name

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

The grammar for a template-name is:

template-name:
identifier

That's not right; consider:

    template <class T> T operator+(const T&, const T&);
    template <> S operator+<S>(const S&, const S&);

This is ill-formed according to the standard, since operator+ is not a template-name.

Suggested resolution:

I think the right rule is

template-name:
identifier
operator-function-id
conversion-function-id

John Spicer adds that there's some question about whether conversion functions should be included, as they cannot have template argument lists.

Notes from 4/02 meeting:

If the change is made as a syntax change, we'll need a semantic restriction to avoid operator+<int> as a class. Clark Nelson will work on a compromise proposal -- not the minimal change to the syntax proposed, not the maximal change either.

Clark Nelson (April 2003):

The proposed solution (adding operator-function-id as an alternative for template-name) would have a large impact on the language described by the grammar. Specifically, for example, operator+<int> would become a syntactically valid class-name.

On the other hand, a change with (I believe) exactly the desired effect on the language accepted, would be to modify operator-function-id itself:

operator-function-id:
operator operator
operator operator < template-argument-list_opt >

(Steve Adamczyk: this change was already made by issue 38 and is in TC1.)

Then there is the first sentence of 14.2 [temp.names] paragraph 3:

After name lookup (3.4 [basic.lookup]) finds that a name is a template-name, if this name is followed by a <, the < is always taken as the beginning of a template-argument-list and never as a name followed by the less-than operator.

This description seems to be adequate for names of class templates. As far as I can tell, the only ambiguity it resolves is from something that starts with new X <, in the scope of a class template X. But as far as I can tell is already inadequate for names of function templates, and is even worse for operator function templates.

Probably < should always be interpreted as introducing a template-argument-list if any member of the overload set is a function template. After all, function pointers are very rarely compared for ordering, and it's not clear what other rule might be workable.

I'm inclined to propose the simplest rule possible for operator-function-ids: if one is followed by <, then what follows is interpreted as a template-argument-list, unconditionally. Of course, if no template for that operator has been declared, then there's an error.

Also, note that if the operator in question is < or <<, it is possible to run into a problem similar to the famous >> nested template argument list closing delimiter problem. However, since in this case (at least) one of the < characters has a radically different interpretation than the other, and for other reasons as well, this is unlikely to be nearly as much of a practical problem as the >> problem.

Notes from April 2003 meeting:

We felt that the operator functions should not be special-cased. They should be treated like any other name.

September 2003:

Clark Nelson has provided the changes in N1490=03-0073.

Notes from October 2003 meeting:

We reviewed Clark Nelson's N1490. Clark will revise it and introduce a new syntax term for an identifier or the name of an operator function.

Notes from the April, 2005 meeting:

The CWG suggested a new approach to resolving this issue: the existing term template-id will be renamed to class-template-id, the term template-id will be defined to include operator functions with template arguments, and any current uses of template-id (such as in the definition of elaborated-type-specifier) where an operator function is not appropriate will be changed to refer to class-template-id.

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

As specified in document J16/05-0156 = WG21 N1896, except that:

1. In change 9 (3.4.5 [basic.lookup.classref]), omit the change from “entire postfix-expression” to “nested-name-specifier.”

2. In change a (3.4.3.1 [class.qual] paragraph 1, third bullet), omit the change from “entire postfix-expression” to “qualified-id.”

3. In change b (3.4.3.2 [namespace.qual] paragraph 1), omit the change from “entire postfix-expression” to “qualified-id.”

(Some of these omitted changes are addressed by issue 562.)

(This resolution also resolves issue 534.)

468. Allow ::template outside of templates

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

For the same reasons that issue 382 proposes for relaxation of the requirements on typename, it would make sense to allow the ::template disambiguator outside of templates.

See also issues 11, 30, 96, and 109.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

Change 14.2 [temp.names] paragraph 5 as indicated:

If a name prefixed by the keyword template is not the name of a template, the program is ill-formed. [Note: the keyword template may not be applied to non-template members of class templates. —end note] Furthermore, names of member templates shall not be prefixed by the keyword template if the postfix-expression or qualified-id does not appear in the scope of a template. [Note: just as is the case with the typename prefix, the template prefix is allowed in cases where it is not strictly necessary; i.e., when the nested-name-specifier or the expression on the left of the -> or ., or the nested-name-specifier is not dependent on a template-parameter, or the use does not appear in the scope of a template. —end note]

246. Jumps in function-try-block handlers

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Is it permitted to jump from a handler of a function-try-block into the body of the function?

15 [except] paragraph 2 would appear to disallow such a jump:

A goto, break, return, or continue statement can be used to transfer control out of a try block or handler, but not into one.

However, 15.3 [except.handle] paragraph 14 mentions only constructors and destructors for the prohibition:

If the handlers of a function-try-block contain a jump into the body of a constructor or destructor, the program is ill-formed.

Is this paragraph simply reemphasizing the more general restriction, or does it assume that such a jump would be permitted for functions other than constructors or destructors? If the former interpretation is correct, it is confusing and should be either eliminated or turned into a note. If the latter interpretation is accurate, 15 [except] paragraph 2 must be revised.

(See also issue 98.)

Proposed resolution (04/01):

Delete 15.3 [except.handle] paragraph 14.

372. Is access granted by base class specifiers available in following base class specifiers?

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

I'm not really sure what the standard says about this. Personally, I'd like for it to be ill-formed, but I can't find any words that I can interpret to say so.

  template<class T>
  class X
  {
  protected:
    typedef T Type;
  };
  template<class T>
  class Y
  {
  };
  template<class T,
           template<class> class T1,
           template<class> class T2>
  class Z:
    public T2<typename T1<T>::Type>,
    public T1<T>
  {
  };
  Z<int, X, Y> z;

John Spicer: I don't think the standard really addresses this case. There is wording about access checking of things used as template arguments, but that doesn't address accessing members of the template argument type (or template) from within the template.

This example is similar, but does not use template template arguments.

  class X {
  private:
    struct Type {};
  };
  template <class T> struct A {
    typename T::Type t;
  };
  A<X> ax;

This gets an error from most compilers, though the standard is probably mute on this as well. An error makes sense -- if there is no error, there is a hole in the access checking. (The special rule about no access checks on template parameters is not a hole, because the access is checked on the type passed in as an argument. But when you look up something in the scope of a template parameter type, you need to check the access to the member found.)

The logic in the template template parameter case should be similar: anytime you look up something in a template-dependent class, the member's access must be checked, because it could be different for different template instances.

Proposed Resolution (October 2002):

Change the last sentence of 14.3 [temp.arg] paragraph 3 from:

For a template-argument of class type, the template definition has no special access rights to the inaccessible members of the template argument type.

For a template-argument that is a class type or a class template, the template definition has no special access rights to the members of the template-argument. [Example:

  template <template <class TT> class T> class A {
    typename T<int>::S s;
  };

  template <class U> class B {
    private:
    struct S { /* ... */ };
  };

  A<B> b;   // ill-formed, A has no access to B::S

-- end example]

Daniel Frey posts on comp.std.c++ in July 2003: I just read DR 372 and I think that the problem presented is not really discussed/solved properly. Consider this example:

  class A {
  protected:
     typedef int N;
  };

  template< typename T >
  class B
  {};

  template< typename U >
  class C : public U, public B< typename U::N >
  {};

  C< A > x;

The question is: If C is derived from A as above, is it allowed to access A::N before the classes opening '{'?

The main problem is that you need to access U's protected parts in C's base-clause. This pattern is common when using policies, Andrei's Loki library was bitten by it as he tried to make some parts of the policies 'protected' but some compilers rejected the code. They were right to reject it, I think it's 11.4 [class.friend]/2 that applies here and prevents the code above to be legal, although it addresses a different and reasonable example. To me, it seems wrong to reject the code as it is perfectly reasonable to write such stuff. The questions are:

• Do you agree it's reasonable?
• Is it a DR or is it a request for an extension?
• Is DR 372 the right place to address it or shall it be a new DR?

Steve Adamczyk: In other words, the point of the issue is over what range access derived from base class specifiers is granted, and whether any part of that range is the base specifier list itself, either the parts afterwards or the whole base specifier list. (Clark Nelson confirms this is what he was asking with the original question.) Personally, I find it somewhat disturbing that access might arrive incrementally; I'd prefer that the access happen all at once, at the opening brace of the class.

Notes from October 2003 meeting:

We decided it makes sense to delay the access checking for the base class specifiers until the opening brace of the class is seen. In other words, the base specifiers will be checked using the full access available for the class, and the order of the base classes is not significant in that determination. The implementors present all said they already had code to handle accumulation of delayed access checks, because it is already needed in other contexts.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

1. Change the last sentence of 14.3 [temp.arg] paragraph 3 as indicated:

   For a template-argument of that is a class type or a class template, the template definition has no special access rights to the inaccessible members of the template argument type template-argument. [Example:

       template <template <class TT> class T> class A {
          typename T<int>::S s;
       };
   
       template <class U> class B {
          private:
          struct S { /* ... */ };
       };
   
       A<B> b;   // ill-formed, A has no access to B::S
   

   —end example]

2. Insert the following as a new paragraph after the final paragraph of 11 [class.access]:

   The access of names in a class base-specifier-list are checked at the end of the list after all base classes are known. [Example:

       class A {
         protected:
            typedef int N;
       };
   
       template<typename T> class B {};
   
       template<typename U> class C : public B<typename U::N>, public U {};
   
       C<A> x;  // OK: A is a base class so A::N in B<A::N> is accessible
   

   —end example]

Notes from the April, 2005 meeting:

The 10/2004 resolution is not sufficient to implement the CWG's intent to allow these examples: clause 11 [class.access] paragraph 1 grants protected access only to “members and friends” of derived classes, not to their base-specifiers. The resolution needs to be extended to say either that access in base-specifiers is determined as if they were members of the class being defined or that access is granted to the class as an entity, including its base-specifiers. See also issue 500, which touches on the same issue and should be resolved in the same way.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

1. Change the second bullet of 11 [class.access] paragraph 1 as indicated:

   • protected; that is, its name can be used only by members and friends of the class in which it is declared, and by members and friends of classes derived from this class by classes derived from that class, and by their friends (see 11.5 [class.protected]).

2. Change 11 [class.access] paragraph 2 as indicated:

   A member of a class can also access all the names declared in the class of which it is a member to which the class has access.

3. Change 11 [class.access] paragraph 6 as indicated:

   All access controls in clause 11 [class.access] affect the ability to access a class member name from a particular scope. The access control for names used in the definition of a class member that appears outside of the member's class definition is done as if the entire member definition appeared in the scope of the member's class. For purposes of access control, the base-specifiers of a class and the definitions of class members that appear outside of the class definition are considered to be within the scope of that class. In particular...

4. Change the example and commentary in 11 [class.access] paragraphs 6-7 as indicated:

   [Example:

       class A {
         typedef int I; // private member
         I f();
         friend I g(I);
         static I x;
       protected:
         struct B { };
       };
   
       A::I A::f () { return 0; }
       A::I g(A::I p = A::x);
       A::I g(A::I p) { return 0; }
       A::I A::x = 0;
   
       struct D: A::B, A { };
   

   Here, all the uses of A::I are well-formed because A::f and A::x are members of class A and g is a friend of class A. This implies, for example, that access checking on the first use of A::I must be deferred until it is determined that this use of A::I is as the return type of a member of class A. Similarly, the use of A::B as a base-specifier is well-formed because D is derived from A, so access checking of base-specifiers must be deferred until the entire base-specifier-list has been seen. —end example]

5. In 11.4 [class.friend] paragraph 2, replace the following text:

   Declaring a class to be a friend implies that the names of private and protected members from the class granting friendship can be accessed in declarations of members of the befriended class. [Note: this means that access to private and protected names is also granted to member functions of the friend class (as if the functions were each friends) and to the static data member definitions of the friend class. This also means that private and protected type names from the class granting friendship can be used in the base-clause of a nested class of the friend class. However, the declarations of members of classes nested within the friend class cannot access the names of private and protected members from the class granting friendship. Also, because the base-clause of the friend class is not part of its member declarations, the base-clause of the friend class cannot access the names of the private and protected members from the class granting friendship. For example,

       class A {
         class B { };
         friend class X;
       };
       class X: A::B {     // ill-formed: A::B cannot be accessed
                           // in the base-clause for X
         A::B mx;          // OK: A::B used to declare member of X
         class Y: A::B {   // OK: A::B used to declare member of X
           A::B my;        // ill-formed: A::B cannot be accessed
                           // to declare members of nested class of X
         };
       };
   

   —end note]

   with:

   Declaring a class to be a friend implies that the names of private and protected members from the class granting friendship can be accessed in the base-specifiers and member declarations of the befriended class. [Example:

       class A {
         class B { };
         friend class X;
       };
   
       struct X: A::B {   // OK: A::B accessible to friend
         A::B mx;         // OK: A::B accessible to member of friend
         class Y {
           A::B my;       // OK: A::B accessible to nested member of friend
         };
       };
   

   —end example]

6. Change the last sentence of 14.3 [temp.arg] paragraph 3 as indicated:

   For a template-argument of that is a class type or a class template, the template definition has no special access rights to the inaccessible members of the template argument type. template-argument. [Example:

   
       template <template <class TT> class T> class A {
         typename T<int>::S s;
       };
   
       template <class U> class B {
       private:
         struct S { /* ... */ };
       };
   
       A<B> b;    // ill-formed, A has no access to B::S
   
   

   —end example]

7. Change 9.7 [class.nest] paragraph 4 as indicated:

   Like a member function, a friend function (11.4 [class.friend]) defined within a nested class is in the lexical scope of that class; it obeys the same rules for name binding as a static member function of that class (9.4 [class.static]), but it and has no special access rights to members of an enclosing class.

(Note: this resolution also resolves issues 494 and 500.)

62. Unnamed members of classes used as type parameters

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Section 14.3.1 [temp.arg.type] paragraph 2 says

A local type, a type with no linkage, an unnamed type or a type compounded from any of these types shall not be used as a template-argument for a template type-parameter.

It probably wasn't intended that classes with unnamed members should be included in this list, but they are arguably compounded from unnamed types.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

In 14.3.1 [temp.arg.type] paragraph 2, change

A local type, a type with no linkage, an unnamed type or a type compounded from any of these types shall not be used as a template-argument for a template type-parameter.

to

The following types shall not be used as a template-argument for a template type-parameter:

• a type whose name has no linkage
• an unnamed class or enumeration type that has no name for linkage purposes (7.1.3 [dcl.typedef])
• a cv-qualified version of one of the types in this list
• a type created by application of declarator operators to one of the types in this list
• a function type that uses one of the types in this list

354. Null as nontype template argument

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

The standard does not permit a null value to be used as a nontype template argument for a nontype template parameter that is a pointer.

This code is accepted by EDG, Microsoft, Borland and Cfront, but rejected by g++ and Sun:

  template <int *p> struct A {};
  A<(int*)0> ai;

I'm not sure this was ever explicitly considered by the committee. Is there any reason to permit this kind of usage?

Jason Merrill: I suppose it might be useful for a program to be able to express a degenerate case using a null template argument. I think allowing it would be harmless.

Notes from October 2004 meeting:

CWG decided that it would be desirable to allow null pointers as nontype template arguments, even though they are not representable in some current ABIs. There was some discussion over whether to allow a bare 0 to be used with a pointer nontype template parameter. The following case was decisive:

    template<int i> void foo();
    template<int* i> void foo();
    ...
    foo<0>();

The current wording of 14.3 [temp.arg] paragraph 7 disambiguates the function call in favor of the int version. If the null pointer conversion were allowed for pointer nontype template parameters, this case would become ambiguous, so it was decided to require a cast.

Proposed resolution (April, 2005):

1. In 14.3.2 [temp.arg.nontype] paragraph 1, insert the following after the third bullet:

   • a constant expression that evaluates to a null pointer value (4.10 [conv.ptr]); or

   • a constant expression that evaluates to a null member pointer value (4.11 [conv.mem]); or

2. Add the indicated text to the note in the second bullet of 14.3.2 [temp.arg.nontype] paragraph 5:

   [Note: In particular, neither the null pointer conversion (4.10 [conv.ptr]) nor the derived-to-base conversion (4.10 [conv.ptr]) are applied. Although 0 is a valid template-argument for a non-type template-parameter of integral type, it is not a valid template-argument for a non-type template-parameter of pointer type. However, (int*)0 is a valid template-argument for a non-type template-parameter of type “pointer to int.” —end note]

3. Replace the normative wording of 14.4 [temp.type] paragraph 1 with the following:

   Two template-ids refer to the same class or function if

   • their template-names refer to the same template, and
   • their corresponding type template-arguments are the same type, and
   • their corresponding non-type template-arguments of integral or enumeration type have identical values, and
   • their corresponding non-type template-arguments of pointer type refer to the same external object or function or are both the null pointer value, and
   • their corresponding non-type template-arguments of pointer-to-member type refer to the same class member or are both the null member pointer value, and
   • their corresponding non-type template-argumentss for template parameters of reference type refer to the same external object or function, and
   • their corresponding template template-arguments refer to the same template.

582. Template conversion functions

[Voted into WP at April, 2007 meeting.]

The wholesale replacement of the phrase “template function” by the resolution of issue 105 seems to have overlooked the similar phrase “template conversion function.” This phrase appears a number of times in 13.3.3.1.2 [over.ics.user] paragraph 3, 14.5.2 [temp.mem] paragraphs 5-8, and 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 1. It should be systematically replaced in similar fashion to the resolution of issue 105.

Proposed resolution (October, 2006):

1. Change 13.3.3.1.2 [over.ics.user] paragraph 3 as follows:

If the user-defined conversion is specified by a template conversion function specialization of a conversion function template, the second standard conversion sequence must have exact match rank.

2. Change 14.5.2 [temp.mem] paragraph 5 as follows:

A specialization of a template conversion function conversion function template is referenced in the same way as a non-template conversion function that converts to the same type.

3. Change 14.5.2 [temp.mem] paragraph 6 as follows:

A specialization of a template conversion function conversion function template is not found by name lookup. Instead, any template conversion functions conversion function templates visible in the context of the use are considered.

4. Change 14.5.2 [temp.mem] paragraph 7 as follows:

A using-declaration using-declaration in a derived class cannot refer to a specialization of a template conversion function conversion function template in a base class.

5. Change 14.5.2 [temp.mem] paragraph 8 as follows:

Overload resolution (13.3.3.2 [over.ics.rank]) and partial ordering (14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order]) are used to select the best conversion function among multiple template conversion functions specializations of conversion function templates and/or non-template conversion functions.

6. Change 14.8.2.3 [temp.deduct.conv] paragraph 1 as follows:

Template argument deduction is done by comparing the return type of the template conversion function conversion function template (call it P) with the type that is required as the result of the conversion (call it A) as described in 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type].

329. Evaluation of friends of templates

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

14.5.4 [temp.friend] paragraph 5 says:

When a function is defined in a friend function declaration in a class template, the function is defined at each instantiation of the class template. The function is defined even if it is never used. The same restrictions on multiple declarations and definitions which apply to non-template function declarations and definitions also apply to these implicit definitions. [Note: if the function definition is ill-formed for a given specialization of the enclosing class template, the program is ill-formed even if the function is never used. ]

This means that the following program is invalid, even without the call of f(ai):

  template <class T> struct A {
    friend void f(A a) {
      g(a);
    }
  };
  int main()
  {
    A<int> ai;
  // f(ai);  // Error if f(ai) is actually called
  }

The EDG front end issues an error on this case even if f(ai) is never called. Of the compilers I tried (g++, Sun, Microsoft, Borland) we are the only ones to issue such an error.

This issue came up because there is a library that either deliberately or accidentally makes use of friend functions that are not valid for certain instantiations.

The wording in the standard is the result of a deliberate decision made long ago, but given the fact that most implementations do otherwise it raises the issue of whether we did the right thing.

Upon further investigation, the current rule was adopted as the resolution to issue 6.47 in my series of template issue papers. At the time the issue was discussed (7/96) most compilers did evaluate such friends. So it seems that a number of compilers have changed their behavior since then.

Based on current practice, I think the standard should be changed to evaluate such friends only when used.

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

Change section 14.5.4 [temp.friend] paragraph 5 from:

When a function is defined in a friend function declaration in a class template, the function is defined at each instantiation of the class template. The function is defined even if it is never used. The same restrictions on multiple declarations and definitions which apply to non-template function declarations and definitions also apply to these implicit definitions. [Note: if the function definition is ill-formed for a given specialization of the enclosing class template, the program is ill-formed even if the function is never used. ]

When a function is defined in a friend function declaration in a class template, the function is instantiated when the function is used. The same restrictions on multiple declarations and definitions that apply to non-template function declarations and definitions also apply to these implicit definitions.

410. Paragraph missed in changes for issue 166

[Voted into WP at October 2004 meeting.]

14.5.4 [temp.friend] paragraph 2 was overlooked when the changes for issue 166 were made.

The friend declaration of f<>(int) is now valid.

A friend function declaration that is not a template declaration and in which the name of the friend is an unqualified template-id shall refer to a specialization of a function template declared in the nearest enclosing namespace scope. [Example:

  namespace N {
          template <class T> void f(T);
          void g(int);
          namespace M {
                  template <class T> void h(T);
                  template <class T> void i(T);
                  struct A {
                          friend void f<>(int);   // ill-formed - N::f
                          friend void h<>(int);   // OK - M::h
                          friend void g(int);     // OK - new decl of M::g
                          template <class T> void i(T);
                          friend void i<>(int);   // ill-formed - A::i
                  };
          }
  }

--end example]

Proposed Resolution (October 2003):

Remove 14.5.4 [temp.friend] paragraph 2:

A friend function declaration that is not a template declaration and in which the name of the friend is an unqualified template-id shall refer to a specialization of a function template declared in the nearest enclosing namespace scope. [Example:

  namespace N {
          template <class T> void f(T);
          void g(int);
          namespace M {
                  template <class T> void h(T);
                  template <class T> void i(T);
                  struct A {
                          friend void f<>(int);   // ill-formed - N::f
                          friend void h<>(int);   // OK - M::h
                          friend void g(int);     // OK - new decl of M::g
                          template <class T> void i(T);
                          friend void i<>(int);   // ill-formed - A::i
                  };
          }
  }

--end example]

286. Incorrect example in partial specialization

[Moved to DR at 4/02 meeting.]

The example in 14.5.5 [temp.class.spec] paragraph 6 is incorrect. It reads,

    template<class T> struct A {
        class C {
            template<class T2> struct B { };
        };
    };

    // partial specialization of A<T>::C::B<T2>
    template<class T> template<class T2>
        struct A<T>::C::B<T2*> { };

    A<short>::C::B<int*> absip; // uses partial specialization

Because C is a class rather than a struct, the use of the name B is inaccessible.

Proposed Resolution (10/01):

Change class C to struct C in the example in 14.5.5 [temp.class.spec] paragraph 6. The example becomes

    template<class T> struct A {
        struct C {
            template<class T2> struct B { };
        };
    };

    // partial specialization of A<T>::C::B<T2>
    template<class T> template<class T2>
        struct A<T>::C::B<T2*> { };

    A<short>::C::B<int*> absip; // uses partial specialization

517. Partial specialization following explicit instantiation

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

According to 14.5.5 [temp.class.spec] paragraph 1,

If a template is partially specialized then that partial specialization shall be declared before the first use of that partial specialization that would cause an implicit instantiation to take place, in every translation unit in which such a use occurs; no diagnostic is required.

This leaves the impression that an explicit instantiation of the primary template may precede the declaration of an applicable partial specialization. Is the following example well-formed?

    template<typename T> class X{
        public:
        void foo(){};
    };

    template class X<void *>;

    template<typename T> class X<T*>{
        public:
        void baz();
    };

    void bar() {
        X<void *> x;
        x.foo();
    }

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

Replace the last sentence of 14.5.5 [temp.class.spec] paragraph 1:

If a template is partially specialized then that partial specialization shall be declared before the first use of that partial specialization that would cause an implicit instantiation to take place, in every translation unit in which such a use occurs; no diagnostic is required.

with:

A partial specialization shall be declared before the first use of a class template specialization that would make use of the partial specialization as the result of an implicit or explicit instantiation in every translation unit in which such a use occurs; no diagnostic is required.

214. Partial ordering of function templates is underspecified

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

In 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order], partial ordering is explained in terms of template argument deduction. However, the exact procedure for doing so is not specified. A number of details are missing, they are explained as sub-issues below.

1. 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] paragraph 2 refers to 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] for argument deduction. This is the wrong reference; it explains how explicit arguments are processed (paragraph 2) and how function parameter types are adjusted (paragraph 3). Neither of these steps is meaningful in the context of partial ordering. Next in deduction follows one of the steps in 14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call], 14.8.2.2 [temp.deduct.funcaddr], 14.8.2.3 [temp.deduct.conv], or 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type]. The standard does not specify which of these contexts apply to partial ordering.
2. Because 14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call] and 14.8.2.3 [temp.deduct.conv] both start with actual function parameters, it is meaningful to assume that partial ordering uses 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type], which only requires types. With that assumption, the example in 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] paragraph 5 becomes incorrect, considering the two templates

       template<class T> void g(T);  // #1
       template<class T> void g(T&); // #2
   

   Here, #2 is at least as specialized as #1: With a synthetic type U, #2 becomes g(U&); argument deduction against #1 succeeds with T=U&. However, #1 is not at least as specialized as #2: Deducing g(U) against g(T&) fails. Therefore, the second template is more specialized than the first, and the call g(x) is not ambiguous.
3. According to John Spicer, the intent of the partial ordering was that it uses deduction as in a function call (14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call]), which is indicated by the mentioning of "exact match" in 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] paragraph 4. If that is indeed the intent, it should be specified how values are obtained for the step in 14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call] paragraph 1, where the types of the arguments are determined. Also, since 14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call] paragraph 2 drops references from the parameter type, symmetrically, references should be dropped from the argument type (which is done in 5 [expr] paragraph 2, for a true function call).
4. 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] paragraph 4 requires an "exact match" for the "deduced parameter types". It is not clear whether this refers to the template parameters, or the parameters of the template function. Considering the example

       template<class S> void g(S);  // #1
       template<class T> void g(T const &); // #3
   

   Here, #3 is clearly at least as specialized as #1. To determine whether #1 is at least as specialized as #3, a unique type U is synthesized, and deduction of g<U>(U) is performed against #3. Following the rules in 14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call], deduction succeeds with T=U. Since the template argument is U, and the deduced template parameter is also U, we have an exact match between the template parameters. Even though the conversion from U to U const & is an exact match, it is not clear whether the added qualification should be taken into account, as it is in other places.

Issue 200 covers a related issue, illustrated by the following example:

    template <class T> T f(int);
    template <class T, class U> T f(U);
    void g() {
        f<int>(1);
    }

Even though one template is "obviously" more specialized than the other, deduction fails in both directions because neither function parameter list allows template parameter T to be deduced.

(See also issue 250.)

Nathan Sidwell:

14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] describes the partial ordering of function templates. Paragraph 5 states,

A template is more specialized than another if, and only if, it is at least as specialized as the other template and that template is not at least as specialized as the first.

  template <typename T, class U> T checked_cast(U from); //#1
  template <typename T, class U> T checked_cast(U * from); //#2
  class C {};

  void foo (int *arg)
  {
    checked_cast <C const *> (arg);
  }

#1 can be deduced with T = 'C const *' and U = 'int *'

#2 can be deduced with T = 'C const *' and U = 'int'

It looks like #2 is more specialized that #1, but 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] does not make it so, as neither template can deduce 'T' from the other template's function parameters.

Possible Resolutions:

There are several possible solutions, however through experimentation I have discounted two of them.

Option 1:

When deducing function ordering, if the return type of one of the templates uses a template parameter, then return types should be used for deduction. This, unfortunately, makes existing well formed programs ill formed. For example

  template <class T> class X {};

  template <class T> X<T> Foo (T *);	// #1
  template <class T> int Foo (T const *); // #2

  void Baz (int *p1, int const *p2)
  {
    int j = Foo (p2); //#3
  }

Option 2:

As option 1, but only consider the return type when deducing the template whose return type involves template parameters. This has the same flaw as option 1, and that example is similarly ill formed, as #1's return type 'X<T,0>' fails to match 'int' so #1 cannot deduce #2. In the converse direction, return types are not considered, but the function parameters fail to deduce.

Option 3:

It is observed that the original example is only callable with a template-id-expr to supply a value for the first, undeducible, parameter. If that parameter were deducible it would also appear within at least one of the function parameters. We can alter paragraph 4 of [temp.func.order] to indicate that it is not necessary to deduce the parameters which are provided explicitly, when the call has the form of a template-id-expr. This is a safe extension as it only serves to make ill formed programs well formed. It is also in line with the concept that deduction for function specialization order should proceed in a similar manner to function calling, in that explicitly provided parameter values are taken into consideration.

Suggested resolution:

Insert after the first sentence of paragraph 4 in 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order]

Should any template parameters remain undeduced, and the function call be of the form of a template-id-expr, those template parameters provided in the template-id-expr may be arbitrarily synthesized prior to determining whether the deduced arguments generate a valid function type.

See also issue 200.

(April 2002) John Spicer and John Wiegley have written a paper on this. See 02-0051/N1393.

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

Change 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] paragraph 2 to read:

Partial ordering selects which of two function templates is more specialized than the other by transforming each template in turn (see next paragraph) and performing template argument deduction using the function parameter types, or in the case of a conversion function the return type. The deduction process determines whether one of the templates is more specialized than the other. If so, the more specialized template is the one chosen by the partial ordering process.

Change 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] paragraph 3 to read:

To produce the transformed template, for each type, non-type, or template template parameter synthesize a unique type, value, or class template respectively and substitute it for each occurrence of that parameter in the function type of the template.

Change 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] paragraph 4 to read (note: the section reference should refer to the section added to 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] below):

Using the transformed function template's function parameter list, or in the case of a conversion function its transformed return type, perform type deduction against the function parameter list (or return type) of the other function. The mechanism for performing these deductions is given in 14.8.2.x.

Remove the text of 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order] paragraph 5 but retain the example. The removed text is:

A template is more specialized than another if, and only if, it is at least as specialized as the other template and that template is not at least as specialized as the first.

Insert the following section before 14.8.2.5 (Note that this would either be a new 14.8.2.4, or would be given a number like 14.8.2.3a. If neither of these is possible from a troff point of view, this could be made 14.8.2.5. )

Deducing template arguments when determining the partial ordering of function templates (temp.deduct.partial)

Template argument deduction is done by comparing certain types associated with the two function templates being compared.

Two sets of types are used to determine the partial ordering. For each of the templates involved there is the original function type and the transformed function type. [Note: The creation of the transformed type is described in 14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order].] The deduction process uses the transformed type as the argument template and the original type of the other template as the parameter template. This process is done twice for each type involved in the partial ordering comparison: once using the transformed template-1 as the argument template and template-2 as the parameter template and again using the transformed template-2 as the argument template and template-1 as the parameter template.

The types used to determine the ordering depend on the context in which the partial ordering is

• In the context of a function call, the function parameter types are used.
• In the context of a call to a conversion operator, the return types of the conversion function templates are used.
• In other contexts (14.5.6.2 [temp.func.order]), the function template's function type is used.

Each type from the parameter template and the corresponding type from the argument template are used as the types of P and A.

Before the partial ordering is done, certain transformations are performed on the types used for partial ordering:

• If P is a reference type, P is replaced by the type referred to.
• If A is a reference type, A is replaced by the type referred to.

If both P and A were reference types (before being replaced with the type referred to above), determine which of the two types (if any) is more cv-qualified than the other; otherwise the types are considered to be equally cv-qualified for partial ordering purposes. The result of this determination will be used below.

Remove any top-level cv-qualifiers:

• If P is a cv-qualified type, P is replaced by the cv-unqualified version of P.
• If A is a cv-qualified type, A is replaced by the cv-unqualified version of A.

Using the resulting types P and A the deduction is then done as described in (14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type]). If deduction succeeds for a given type, the type from the argument template is considered to be at least as specialized as the type from the parameter template.

If, for a given type, deduction succeeds in both directions (i.e., the types are identical after the transformations above) if the type from the argument template is more cv-qualified than the type from the parameter template (as described above) that type is considered to be more specialized than the other. If neither type is more cv-qualified than the other then neither type is more specialized than the other.

If for each type being considered a given template is at least as specialized for all types and more specialized for some set of types and the other template is not more specialized for any types or is not at least as specialized for any types, then the given template is more specialized than the other template. Otherwise, neither template is more specialized than the other.

In most cases, all template parameters must have values in order for deduction to succeed, but for partial ordering purposes a template parameter may remain without a value provided it is not used in the types being used for partial ordering. [Note: A template parameter used in a non-deduced context is considered used.]

[Example:

template <class T> T f(int);        // #1
template <class T, class U> T f(U); // #2
void g() {
    f<int>(1);  // Calls #1
}

--end example]

180. typename and elaborated types

[Moved to DR at 4/02 meeting.]

Mike Miller: A question about typename came up in the discussion of issue 68 that is somewhat relevant to the idea of omitting typename in contexts where it is clear that a type is required: consider something like

        template <class T>
        class X {
            friend class T::nested;
        };

Bill Gibbons: The class applies to the last identifier in the qualified name, since all the previous names must be classes or namespaces. Since the name is specified to be a class it does not need typename. [However,] it looks like 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 3 requires typename and the following paragraphs do not exempt this case. This is not what we agreed on.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

In 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 5, change

The keyword typename is not permitted in a base-specifier or in a mem-initializer; in these contexts a qualified-name that depends on a template-parameter (14.6.2 [temp.dep]) is implicitly assumed to be a type name.

to

A qualified name used as the name in a mem-initializer-id, a base-specifier, or an elaborated-type-specifier (in the class-key and enum forms) is implicitly assumed to name a type, without the use of the typename keyword. [Note: the typename keyword is not permitted by the syntax of these constructs.]

(The expected resolution for issue 254 will remove the typename forms from the grammar for elaborated-type-specifier. If that resolution is adopted, the parenthetical phrase "(in the class-key and enum forms)" in the preceding wording should be removed because those will be the only forms of elaborated-type-specifier.)

This has been consolidated with the edits for some other issues. See N1376=02-0034.

345. Misleading comment on example in templates chapter

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

The following example from 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 4:

struct A {
	struct X { };
	int X;
};
template<class T> void f(T t) {
	typename T::X x;        //  ill-formed: finds the data member  X
					//  not the member type  X
}

is not ill-formed. The intent of the example is obvious, but some mention should be made that it is only ill-formed when T=A. For other T's, it could be well formed.

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

In 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 4, replace the example with:

struct A {
  struct X { };
  int X; 
} ; 
struct B {
  struct X { };
} ;
template<class T> void f(T t) {
  typename T::X x; 
}
void foo() {
  A a; 
  B b;
  f(b);  // OK -- T::X refers to B::X.
  f(a);  // error: T::X refers to the data member A::X not 
         // the struct A::X.
}

382. Allow typename outside of templates

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

P. J. Plauger, among others, has noted that typename is hard to use, because in a given context it's either required or forbidden, and it's often hard to tell which. It would make life easier for programmers if typename could be allowed in places where it is not required, e.g., outside of templates.

Notes from the April 2003 meeting:

There was unanimity on relaxing this requirement on typename. The question was how much to relax it. Everyone agreed on allowing it on all qualified names, which is an easy fix (no syntax change required). But should it be allowed other places? P.J. Plauger said he'd like to see it allowed anywhere a type name is allowed, and that it could actually be a decades-late assist for the infamous "the ice is thin here" typedef problem noted in K&R I.

Proposed resolution (April 2003):

Replace the text at the start of 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 3:

A qualified-id that refers to a type and in which the nested-name-specifier depends on a template-parameter (14.6.2 [temp.dep]) shall be prefixed by the keyword typename to indicate that the qualified-id denotes a type, forming an elaborated-type-specifier (7.1.6.3 [dcl.type.elab]).

With:

The keyword typename can only be applied to a qualified-id. A qualified-id that refers to a type and in which the nested-name-specifier depends on a template-parameter (14.6.2 [temp.dep]) shall be prefixed by the keyword typename to indicate that the qualified-id denotes a type, forming an elaborated-type-specifier (7.1.6.3 [dcl.type.elab]). If a qualified-id which has been prefixed by the keyword typename does not denote a type the program is ill-formed. [ Note: The keyword is only required on a qualified-id within a template declaration or definition in which the nested-name-specifier depends on a template-parameter. ]

Remove 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 5:

The keyword typename shall only be used in template declarations and definitions, including in the return type of a function template or member function template, in the return type for the definition of a member function of a class template or of a class nested within a class template, and in the type-specifier for the definition of a static member of a class template or of a class nested within a class template. The keyword typename shall be applied only to qualified names, but those names need not be dependent. The keyword typename shall be used only in contexts in which dependent names can be used. This includes template declarations and definitions but excludes explicit specialization declarations and explicit instantiation declarations. The keyword typename is not permitted in a base-specifier or in a mem-initializer; in these contexts a qualified-id that depends on a template-parameter (temp.dep) is implicitly assumed to be a type name.

Note: the claim here that a qualified name preceded by typename forms an elaborated type specifier conflicts with the changes made in issue 254 (see N1376=02-0034), which introduces typename-specifier.

Notes from October 2003 meeting:

We considered whether typename should be allowed in more places, and decided we only wanted to allow it in qualified names (for now at least).

Core issue 254 changed elaborated-type-specifier to typename-specifier. It also changed 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 5, which this proposed resolution deletes.

See also issue 468.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

1. Change 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 3 as follows:

   A When a qualified-id that refers to a type and in which the nested-name-specifier depends on a template-parameter (14.6.2 [temp.dep]) is intended to refer to a type, it shall be prefixed by the keyword typename to indicate that the qualified-id denotes a type, forming a typename-specifier. If the qualified-id in a typename-specifier does not denote a type, the program is ill-formed.

2. Change 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 5 as follows:

   The keyword typename shall only be used in template declarations and definitions, including in the return type of a function template or member function template, in the return type for the definition of a member function of a class template or of a class nested within a class template, and in the type-specifier for the definition of a static member of a class template or of a class nested within a class template. The keyword typename shall be applied only to qualified names, but those names need not be dependent. The keyword typename shall be used only in contexts in which dependent names can be used. This includes template declarations and definitions but excludes explicit specialization declarations and explicit instantiation declarations. A qualified name used as the name in a mem-initializer-id, a base-specifier, or an elaborated-type-specifier is implicitly assumed to name a type, without the use of the typename keyword. [Note: the typename keyword is not permitted by the syntax of these constructs. —end note]

409. Obsolete paragraph missed by changes for issue 224

[Voted into WP at October 2004 meeting.]

Paragraph 6 of 14.6 [temp.res] is obsolete as result of issue 224, and needs to be revised.

Within the definition of a class template or within the definition of a member of a class template, the keyword typename is not required when referring to the unqualified name of a previously declared member of the class template that declares a type. The keyword typename shall always be specified when the member is referred to using a qual- ified name, even if the qualifier is simply the class template name. [Example:

  template<class T> struct A {
      typedef int B;
      A::B b;                     // ill-formed: typename required before A::B
      void f(A<T>::B);            // ill-formed: typename required before A<T>::B
      typename A::B g();          // OK
  };

]

Proposed Resolution:

Change 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 6 as follows

Within the definition of a class template or within the definition of a member of a class template, the keyword typename is not required when referring to the unqualified name of a previously declared member of the class template that declares a type. The keyword typename shall always be specified when the member is referred to using a qualified name, even if the qualifier is simply the class template name. [Example:

template<class T> struct A {
    typedef int B;
    B b;                      // ok, no typename required
    A::B b;                   //  ill-formed: typename required before  A::B
    void f(A<T>::B);          //  ill-formed: typename required before  A<T>::B
    typename A::B g();        //  OK
};

The keyword typename is required whether the qualified name is A or A<T> because A or A<T> are synonyms within a class template with the parameter list <T>. ]

559. Editing error in issue 382 resolution

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

Part of the resolution for issue 224 was the addition of the phrase “but does not refer to a member of the current instantiation” to 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 3. When the resolution of issue 382 was added to the current working draft, however, that phrase was inadvertently removed. Equivalent phrasing should be restored.

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

Replace the first sentence of 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 3 with the following text:

When a qualified-id is intended to refer to a type that is not a member of the current instantiation (14.6.2.1 [temp.dep.type]) and its nested-name-specifier depends on a template-parameter (14.6.2 [temp.dep]), it shall be prefixed by the keyword typename, forming a typename-specifier.

515. Non-dependent references to base class members

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

Implementations vary in their treatment of the following code:

    struct A {
      int foo_;
    };
    template <typename T> struct B: public A { };
    template <typename T> struct C: B<T> {
      int foo() {
        return A::foo_;  // #1
      }
    };
    int f(C<int>* p) {
      return p->foo();
    }

According to one analysis, because the expression A::foo_ on line #1 is non-dependent, it must be analyzed in the definition context. It that context, it violates the restrictions of 9.2 [class.mem] paragraph 10 on how the name of a nonstatic data member of a class can be used and thus should be treated as an error.

On the other hand, the description of the transformation of an id-expression into a class member access expression (9.3.1 [class.mfct.non-static] paragraph 3) does not have any special treatment of templates; when C<int>::foo() is instantiated, the reference to A::foo_ turns out to be to a base class member and is thus transformed into (*this).A::foo_ and is thus not an error.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

Change 9.3.1 [class.mfct.non-static] paragraph 3 as indicated:

When an id-expression (5.1 [expr.prim]) that is not part of a class member access syntax (5.2.5 [expr.ref]) and not used to form a pointer to member (5.3.1 [expr.unary.op]) is used in the body of a non-static member function of class X or used in the mem-initializer for a constructor of class X, if name lookup (3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual]) resolves the name in the id-expression to a non-static non-type member of class X or of a base class of X some class C, the id-expression is transformed into a class member access expression (5.2.5 [expr.ref]) using (*this) (9.3.2 [class.this]) as the postfix-expression to the left of the . operator. [Note: If C is not X or a base class of X, the class member access expression is ill-formed. —end note] The member name then refers to the member of the object for which the function is called. Similarly during name lookup...

524. Can function-notation calls to operator functions be dependent?

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

The description of dependent function calls in 14.6.2 [temp.dep] paragraph 1 applies only to identifiers in postfix-notation function calls and to operator notation calls for operator functions:

In an expression of the form:

postfix-expression ( expression-list_opt )

where the postfix-expression is an identifier, the identifier denotes a dependent name if and only if any of the expressions in the expression-list is a type-dependent expression (14.6.2.2 [temp.dep.expr]). If an operand of an operator is a type-dependent expression, the operator also denotes a dependent name.

It would appear from the related passage in 14.6.4.2 [temp.dep.candidate] paragraph 1 that the description of postfix-notation function calls should apply to all unqualified-ids that are not template-ids, including operator-function-ids, not just to identifiers:

For a function call that depends on a template parameter, if the function name is an unqualified-id but not a template-id, the candidate functions are found...

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

1. Change 14.6.2 [temp.dep] paragraph 1 as indicated:

...In an expression of the form:

postfix-expression ( expression-list_opt )

where the postfix-expression is an identifier unqualified-id but not a template-id, the identifier unqualified-id denotes a dependent name if and only if any of the expressions in the expression-list is a type-dependent expression (14.6.2.2 [temp.dep.expr])...

2. Change 14.6.4.2 [temp.dep.candidate] paragraph 1 as indicated:

For a function call that depends on a template parameter, if the function name is an unqualified-id but not a template-id, or if the function is called using operator notation, the candidate functions are found using the usual lookup rules (3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual], 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep]) except that...

(See also issue 561.)

224. Definition of dependent names

[Moved to DR at 10/01 meeting.]

The definition of when a type is dependent, given in 14.6.2.1 [temp.dep.type], is essentially syntactic: if the reference is a qualified-id and one of the class-names in the nested-name-specifier is dependent, the type is dependent. This approach leads to surprising results:

    template <class T> class X {
        typedef int I;
	I a;                 // non-dependent
        typename X<T>::I b;  // dependent
        typename X::I c;     // dependent (X is equivalent to X<T>)
    };

Suggested resolution:

The decision on whether a name is dependent or non-dependent should be based on lookup, not on the form of the name: if the name can be looked up in the definition context and cannot be anything else as the result of specialization, the name should be non-dependent.

See papers J16/00-0028 = WG21 N1251 and J16/00-0056 = WG21 N1279.

Proposed resolution (10/00):

1. Replace section 14.6.2.1 [temp.dep.type] with the following:

   In the definition of a class template, a nested class of a class template, a member of a class template, or a member of a nested class of a class template, a name refers to the current instantiation if it is

   • the injected-class-name (clause 9 [class]) of the class template or nested class,
   • in the definition of a primary class template, the name of the class template followed by the template argument list of the primary template (as described below) enclosed in <>,
   • in the definition of a nested class of a class template, the name of the nested class referenced as a member of the current instantiation, or
   • in the definition of a partial specialization, the name of the class template followed by the template argument list of the partial specialization enclosed in <>.

   The template argument list of a primary template is a template argument list in which the n^th template argument has the value of the n^th template parameter of the class template.

   A template argument that is equivalent to a template parameter (i.e., has the same constant value or the same type as the template parameter) can be used in place of that template parameter in a reference to the current instantiation. In the case of a nontype template argument, the argument must have been given the value of the template parameter and not an expression involving the template parameter.

   [Example:

   template <class T> class A {
       A* p1;      // A is the current instantiation
       A<T>* p2;   // A<T> is the current instantiation
       A<T*> p3;   // A<T*> is not the current instantiation
       ::A<T>* p4; // ::A<T> is the current instantiation
       class B {
   	B* p1;        // B is the current instantiation
   	A<T>::B* p2;  // A<T>::B is the current instantiation
   	typename A<T*>::B* p3; // A<T*>::B is not the
   			     // current instantiation
       };
   };
   
   template <class T> class A<T*> {
       A<T*>* p1;  // A<T*> is the current instantiation
       A<T>* p2;   // A<T> is not the current instantiation
   };
   
   template <class T1, class T2, int I> struct B {
       B<T1, T2, I>*	b1;        // refers to the current instantiation
       B<T2, T1, I>*	b2;        // not the current instantiation
       typedef T1 my_T1;
       static const int my_I = I;
       static const int my_I2 = I+0;
       static const int my_I3 = my_I;
       B<my_T1, T2, my_I>* b3;  // refers to the current instantiation
       B<my_T1, T2, my_I2>* b4; // not the current instantiation
       B<my_T1, T2, my_I3>* b5; // refers to the current instantiation
   };
   

   —end example]

   A name is a member of the current instantiation if it is

   • An unqualified name that, when looked up, refers to a member of a class template. [Note: This can only occur when looking up a name in a scope enclosed by the definition of a class template.]
   • A qualified-id in which the nested-name-specifier refers to the current instantiation.

   [Example:

   template <class T> class A {
       static const int i = 5;
       int n1[i];        // i refers to a member of the current instantiation 
       int n2[A::i];     // A::i refers to a member of the current instantiation 
       int n3[A<T>::i];  // A<T>::i refers to a member of the current instantiation 
       int f();
   };
   
   template <class T> int A<T>::f()
   {
       return i;  // i refers to a member of the current instantiation
   }
   

   —end example]

   A name is a member of an unknown specialization if the name is a qualified-id in which the nested-name-specifier names a dependent type that is not the current instantiation.

   A type is dependent if it is

   • a template parameter,
   • a member of an unknown specialization,
   • a nested class that is a member of the current instantiation,
   • a cv-qualified type where the cv-unqualified type is dependent,
   • a compound type constructed from any dependent type,
   • an array type constructed from any dependent type or whose size is specified by a constant expression that is value-dependent, or
   • a template-id in which either the template name is a template parameter or any of the template arguments is a dependent type or an expression that is type-dependent or value-dependent.

   [Note: Because typedefs to not introduce new types, but instead simply refer to other types, a name that refers to a typedef that is a member of the current instantiation is dependent only if the type referred to is dependent.]

2. In 14.6.2.2 [temp.dep.expr] paragraph 3, replace

   • a nested-name-specifier that contains a class-name that names a dependent type.

   with

   • a nested-name-specifier or qualified-id that names a member of an unknown specialization.

3. In 14.6.2.2 [temp.dep.expr], add the following paragraph:

   A class member access expression (5.2.5 [expr.ref]) is type-dependent if the type of the referenced member is dependent. [Note: In an expression of the form x.y or xp->y the type of the expression is usually the type of the member y of the class of x (or the class pointed to by xp). However, if x or xp refers to a dependent type that is not the current instantiation, the type of y is always dependent. If x or xp refers to a non-dependent type or refers to the current instantiation, the type of y is the type of the class member access expression.]

4. In 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 3, replace

   A qualified-name that refers to a type and that depends on a template-parameter (14.6.2 [temp.dep]) shall be prefixed by the keyword typename.

   with

   A qualified-id that refers to a type and that depends on a template-parameter (14.6.2 [temp.dep]) but does not refer to a member of the current instantiation shall be prefixed by the keyword typename.

   Note: the wording for this paragraph was changed in TC1. The words shown here are the pre-TC1 words.

5. In 14.2 [temp.names] paragraph 4, replace

   When the name of a member template specialization appears after . or -> in a postfix-expression, or after a nested-name-specifier in a qualified-id, and the postfix-expression or qualified-id explicitly depends on a template-parameter (14.6.2 [temp.dep]), the member template name must be prefixed by the keyword template. Otherwise the name is assumed to name a non-template.

   with

   When the name of a member template specialization appears after . or -> in a postfix-expression, or after a nested-name-specifier in a qualified-id, and the postfix-expression or qualified-id explicitly depends on a template-parameter (14.6.2 [temp.dep]) but does not refer to a member of the current instantiation (14.6.2.1 [temp.dep.type]), the member template name must be prefixed by the keyword template. Otherwise the name is assumed to name a non-template.

6. In 14.6.1 [temp.local] paragraph 2, remove the following text, which was added for issue 108. The updated definition of dependent name now addresses this case.

   Within the scope of a class template, when the unqualified name of a nested class of the class template is referred to, it is equivalent to the name of the nested class qualified by the name of the enclosing class template. [Example:

   template <class T> struct A {
   	class B {};
   	// B is equivalent to A::B, which is equivalent to A<T>::B,
   	// which is dependent.
   	class C : B { };
   };
   

   —end example]

447. Is offsetof type-dependent?

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

As far as I can tell, the standard doesn't say whether "offsetof(...)" is type-dependent. In the abstract, it shouldn't be -- an "offsetof" expression is always of type "size_t". But the standard doesn't say to what the definition of the macro is, so I don't think one can deduce that it will always be considered non-dependent by a conforming compiler.

John Spicer: (1) I agree that you can't know if offsetof is dependent because you don't know what it expands to. (2) In principle, offsetof should be like sizeof -- it is value-dependent if its argument is type-dependent.

Mark Mitchell: I think we should say that: (a) offsetof is not type-dependent, and (b) offsetof is value dependent iff the first argument is type-dependent

Everyone is using slightly different builtins to implement this functionality, and I don't think that there's any guarantee that they're all behaving the same here.

Notes from the March 2004 meeting:

Note that any such requirement would be in the library section, not core.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

1. At the end of 14.6.2.2 [temp.dep.expr] paragraph 4, add after the list that ends with throw assignment-expression:

   [Note: For the standard library macro offsetof, see 18.1 [support.types]. —end note]

2. At the end of 14.6.2.3 [temp.dep.constexpr] paragraph 2, add after the list that ends with sizeof(type-id):

   [Note: For the standard library macro offsetof, see 18.1 [support.types]. —end note]

3. In 18.1 [support.types] paragraph 4, replace

   The macro offsetof accepts a restricted set of type arguments in this International Standard. If type is not a POD structure or a POD union the results are undefined. The result of applying the offsetof macro to a field that is a static data member or a function member is undefined.

   with

   The macro offsetof(type, member-designator) accepts a restricted set of type arguments in this International Standard. If type is not a POD structure or a POD union (clause 9 [class]), the results are undefined. The expression offsetof(type, member-designator) is never type-dependent (14.6.2.2 [temp.dep.expr]) and it is value-dependent (14.6.2.3 [temp.dep.constexpr]) if and only if type is dependent. The result of applying the offsetof macro to a field that is a static data member or a function member is undefined.

   [Note: the original wording shown here reflects the resolutions of library issues 306 and 449.]

197. Issues with two-stage lookup of dependent names

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

The example in 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 9 is incorrect, according to 14.6.4.2 [temp.dep.candidate] . The example reads,

    void f(char);

    template <class T> void g(T t)
    {
        f(1);        // f(char);
        f(T(1));     // dependent
        f(t);        // dependent
        dd++;        // not dependent
                     // error: declaration for dd not found
    }

    void f(int);

    double dd;
    void h()
    {
        g(2);        // will cause one call of f(char) followed
                     // by two calls of f(int)
        g('a');      // will cause three calls of f(char)
    }

Notes from 04/00 meeting:

The core working group agreed that the example as written is incorrect and should be reformulated to use a class type instead of a fundamental type. It was also decided to open a new issue dealing more generally with Koenig lookup and fundamental types.

(See also issues 213 and 225.)

Proposed resolution (April, 2005):

Change the example in 14.6 [temp.res] paragraph 9 as follows:

    void f(char);

    template <class T> void g(T t)
    {
        f(1);        // f(char);
        f(T(1));     // dependent
        f(t);        // dependent
        dd++;        // not dependent
                     // error: declaration for dd not found
    }

    enum E { e };
    void f(intE);

    double dd;
    void h()
    {
        g(2e);       // will cause one call of f(char) followed
                     // by two calls of f(intE)
        g('a');      // will cause three calls of f(char)
    }

387. Errors in example in 14.6.5

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

The example in 14.6.5 [temp.inject] paragraph 2 is incorrect:

  template<typename T> class number {
      number(int);
      //...
      friend number gcd(number& x, number& y) { /* ... */ }
      //...
  };

  void g()
  {
      number<double> a(3), b(4);
      //...
      a = gcd(a,b);   // finds gcd because number<double> is an
                      // associated class, making gcd visible
                      // in its namespace (global scope)
      b = gcd(3,4);   // ill-formed; gcd is not visible
  }

Regardless of the last statement ("b = gcd(3,4);"), the above code is ill-formed:

a) number's constructor is private;

b) the definition of (non-void) friend 'gcd' function does not contain a return statement.

Proposed resolution (April 2003):

Replace the example in 14.6.5 [temp.inject] paragraph 2

  template<typename T> class number {
          number(int);
          //...
          friend number gcd(number& x, number& y) { /* ... */ }
          //...
  };

  void g()
  {
          number<double> a(3), b(4);
          //...
          a = gcd(a,b);           //  finds  gcd  because  number<double>  is an
                                  //  associated class, making  gcd  visible
                                  //  in its namespace (global scope)
          b = gcd(3,4);           //  ill-formed;  gcd  is not visible
  }

  template<typename T> class number {
     public:
          number(int);
          //...
          friend number gcd(number x, number y) { return 0; }
     private:
          //...
  };

  void g()
  {
          number<double> a(3), b(4);
          //...
          a = gcd(a,b);           //  finds  gcd  because  number<double>  is an
                                  //  associated class, making  gcd  visible
                                  //  in its namespace (global scope)
          b = gcd(3,4);           //  ill-formed;  gcd  is not visible
  }

Drafting note: Added "return" to the friend function, removed references in gcd arguments, added access specifiers.

259. Restrictions on explicit specialization and instantiation

[Moved to DR at 4/02 meeting.]

According to 14.7 [temp.spec] paragraph 5,

No program shall explicitly instantiate any template more than once, both explicitly instantiate and explicitly specialize a template, or specialize a template more than once for a given set of template-arguments.

This rule has an impact on library issue 120. Library authors would like to have the freedom to specialize (or not) various library functions without having to document their choices, while users need the flexibility to explicitly instantiate library functions in certain translation units.

If this rule could be slightly weakened, it would reduce the need for constraining either the library author or the programmer. For instance, the rule might be recast to say that if a specialization is followed by an explicit instantiation in the same translation unit, the explicit instantiation is ignored. A specialization and an explicit instantiation of the same template in two different translation units would still be an error, no diagnostic required.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

1. Replace the first sentence of 14.7 [temp.spec] paragraph 5,

   No program shall explicitly instantiate any template more than once, both explicitly instantiate and explicitly specialize a template, or specialize a template more than once for a given set of template-arguments.

   by

   For a given template and a given set of template-arguments,

   • an explicit instantiation shall appear at most once in a program,
   • an explicit specialization shall be defined at most once according to 3.2 [basic.def.odr] in a program, and
   • both an explicit instantiation and a declaration of an explicit specialization shall not appear in a program unless the explicit instantiation follows a declaration of the explicit specialization.

2. Replace 14.7.2 [temp.explicit] paragraph 4,

   The definition of a non-exported function template, a non-exported member function template, or a non-exported member function or static data member of a class template shall be present in every translation unit in which it is explicitly instantiated.

   by

   For a given set of template parameters, if an explicit instantiation of a template appears after a declaration of an explicit specialization for that template, the explicit instantiation has no effect. Otherwise, the definition of a non-exported function template, a non-exported member function template, or a non-exported member function or static data member of a class template shall be present in every translation unit in which it is explicitly instantiated.

63. Class instantiation from pointer conversion to void*, null and self

[Moved to DR at October 2002 meeting.]

A template is implicitly instantiated because of a "pointer conversion" on an argument. This was intended to include related-class conversions, but it also inadvertently includes conversions to void*, null pointer conversions, cv-qualification conversions and the identity conversion.

It is not clear whether a reinterpret_cast of a pointer should cause implicit instantiation.

Proposed resolution (10/01): Replace 14.7.1 [temp.inst] paragraph 4, up to the example, with the following:

A class template specialization is implicitly instantiated if the class type is used in a context that requires a completely-defined object type or if the completeness of the class type might affect the semantics of the program. [Note: in particular, if the semantics of an expression depend on the member or base class lists of a class template specialization, the class template specialization is implicitly generated. For instance, deleting a pointer to class type depends on whether or not the class declares a destructor, and conversion between pointer to class types depends on the inheritance relationship between the two classes involved. ]

This version differs from the previous version is its use of the word "might" in the first sentence.

(See also issue 212.)

525. Missing * in example

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

The example in 14.7.1 [temp.inst] paragraph 4 has a typographical error: the third parameter of function g should be D<double>* ppp, but it is missing the *:

  template <class T> class B { /* ... */ };
  template <class T> class D : public B<T> { /* ... */ };
  void f(void*);
  void f(B<int >*);

  void g(D<int>* p, D<char>* pp, D<double> ppp)
  {
    f(p);             // instantiation of D<int> required: call f(B<int>*)

    B<char>* q = pp;  // instantiation of D<char> required:
                      // convert D<char>* to B<char>*
    delete ppp;       // instantiation of D<double> required
  }

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

As suggested.

237. Explicit instantiation and base class members

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

In 14.7.2 [temp.explicit] paragraph 7 we read:

The explicit instantiation of a class template specialization implies the instantiation of all of its members not previously explicitly specialized in the translation unit containing the explicit instantiation.

Is "member" intended to mean "non-inherited member?" If yes, maybe it should be clarified since 10 [class.derived] paragraph 1 says,

Unless redefined in the derived class, members of a base class are also considered to be members of the derived class.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

Fixed by the resolution of issue 470.

470. Instantiation of members of an explicitly-instantiated class template

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

14.7.2 [temp.explicit] paragraph 7 says,

The explicit instantiation of a class template specialization implies the instantiation of all of its members not previously explicitly specialized in the translation unit containing the explicit instantiation.

It's not clear whether this “implied” instantiation is implicit or explicit instantiation. It makes a difference in cases like the following:

    template <typename T> struct foo {
        struct bar { };
    };

    template struct foo<int>;         // #1

    template struct foo<int>::bar;    // #2

If the instantiation of foo<int>::bar implied by #1 is implicit, the explicit instantiation in #2 is well-formed. Otherwise, #2 violates the requirement in 14.7 [temp.spec] that

No program shall explicitly instantiate any template more than once ... for a given set of template-arguments.

It's also unclear whether the implied instantiation applies only to direct members of the class template or to inherited members, as well.

John Spicer: I have always interpreted this as meaning only the members declared in the class, not those inherited from other classes. This is what EDG does, and appears to be what g++, Microsoft and Sun do, too. I also think this is the correct thing for the Standard to require. If I were to derive a class from a class in the standard library, an explicit instantiation of my class should not cause the explicit instantiation of things in the standard library (because the library might provide such explicit instantiations, thus causing my program to run afoul of the "can't instantiate more than once" rule).

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

Change 14.7.2 [temp.explicit] paragraph 7 as follows:

The explicit instantiation of a class template specialization implies the instantiation of all also explicitly instantiates each of its members not (not including members inherited from base classes) whose definition is visible at the point of instantiation and that has not been previously explicitly specialized in the translation unit containing the explicit instantiation.

44. Member specializations

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Some compilers reject the following:

    struct A {
        template <int I> void f();
        template <> void f<0>();
    };

An explicit specialization shall be declared in the namespace of which the template is a member, or, for member templates, in the namespace of which the enclosing class or enclosing class template is a member. An explicit specialization of a member function, member class or static data member of a class template shall be declared in the namespace of which the class template is a member. ...

A member or a member template may be nested within many enclosing class templates. If the declaration of an explicit specialization for such a member appears in namespace scope, the member declaration shall be preceded by a template<> for each enclosing class template that is explicitly specialized.

Was it the intent of the committee to forbid the construction above? (Note that A itself is not a template.) If so, why?

Proposed resolution (04/01): In-class specializations of member templates are not allowed. In 14.7.3 [temp.expl.spec] paragraph 17, replace

If the declaration of an explicit specialization for such a member appears in namespace scope...

In an explicit specialization for such a member...

Notes from 04/00 meeting:

This issue was kept in "review" status for two major reasons:

1. It's not clear that a change is actually needed. All uses of the phrase "in the namespace" in the IS mean "directly in the namespace," not in a scope nested within the namespace.
2. There was substantial sentiment for actually adding support for in-class specializations at a future time, and it might be perceived as a reversal of direction to pass a change aimed at reinforcing the absence of the feature, only to turn around afterward and add it.

Notes from 10/00 meeting:

The core working group felt that the value of additional clarity here outweighs the potential disadvantages that were noted at the preceding meeting.

275. Explicit instantiation/specialization and using-directives

[Moved to DR at 4/02 meeting.]

Consider this example:

    namespace N {
	template <class T> void f(T){}
	template <class T> void g(T){}
	template <> void f(int);
	template <> void f(char);
	template <> void g(char);
    }

    using namespace N;

    namespace M {
	template <> void N::f(char){}  // prohibited by standard
	template <class T> void g(T){}
	template <> void g(char){}     // specialization of M::g or ambiguous?
	template void f(long);         // instantiation of N::f?
    }

    template <class T> void g(T){}

    template <> void N::f(char){}  // okay
    template <> void f(int){}      // is this a valid specialization of N::f?

    template void g(int);          // instantiation of ::g(int) or ambiguous?

The question here is whether unqualified names made visible by a using-directive can be used as the declarator in an explicit instantiation or explicit specialization.

Note that this question is already answered for qualified names in 8.3 [dcl.meaning] paragraph 1. In a qualified name such as N::f, f must be a member of class or namespace N, not a name made visible in N by a using-directive (or a using-declaration, for that matter).

The standard does not, as far as I can tell, specify the behavior of these cases one way or another.

My opinion is that names from using-directives should not be considered when looking up the name in an unqualified declarator in an explicit specialization or explicit instantiation. In such cases, it is reasonable to insist that the programmer know exactly which template is being specialized or instantiated, and that a qualified name must be used if the template is a member of a namespace.

As the example illustrates, allowing names from using-directives to be used would also have the affect of making ambiguous otherwise valid instantiation and specialization directives.

Furthermore, permitting names from using-directives would require an additional rule to prohibit the explicit instantiation of an entity in one namespace from being done in another (non-enclosing) namespace (as in the instantiation of f in namespace M in the example).

Mike Miller: I believe the explicit specialization case is already covered by 7.3.1.2 [namespace.memdef] paragraph 2, which requires using a qualified name to define a namespace member outside its namespace.

John Spicer: 7.3.1.2 [namespace.memdef] deals with namespace members. An explicit specialization directive deals with something that is a specialization of a namespace member. I don't think the rules in 7.3.1.2 [namespace.memdef] could be taken to apply to specializations unless the standard said so explicitly.

Proposed resolution (suggested 04/01, proposed 10/01):

(The first change below will need to be revised in accordance with the resolution of issue 284 to add a cross-reference to the text dealing with class names.)

1. Add in 14.7.2 [temp.explicit] paragraph 2 before the example:

   An explicit instantiation shall appear in an enclosing namespace of its template. If the name declared in the explicit instantiation is an unqualified name, the explicit instantiation shall appear in the namespace where its template is declared. [Note: Regarding qualified names in declarators, see 8.3 [dcl.meaning].]

2. Change the first sentence of 7.3.1.2 [namespace.memdef] paragraph 1 from

   Members of a namespace can be defined within that namespace.

   to

   Members (including explicit specializations of templates (14.7.3 [temp.expl.spec])) of a namespace can be defined within that namespace.

3. Change the first sentence of 7.3.1.2 [namespace.memdef] paragraph 2 from

   Members of a named namespace can also be defined...

   to

   Members (including explicit specializations of templates (14.7.3 [temp.expl.spec])) of a named namespace can also be defined...

4. Change the last sentence of 14.7.3 [temp.expl.spec] paragraph 2 from

   If the declaration is not a definition, the specialization may be defined later in the namespace in which the explicit specialization was declared, or in a namespace that encloses the one in which the explicit specialization was declared.

   to

   If the declaration is not a definition, the specialization may be defined later (7.3.1.2 [namespace.memdef]).

336. Explicit specialization examples are still incorrect

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

The examples corrected by issue 24 are still wrong in one case.

In item #4 (a correction to the example in paragraph 18), the proposed resolution is:

  template<class T1> class A { 
    template<class T2> class B { 
      template<class T3> void mf1(T3); 
        void mf2(); 
      }; 
  }; 
  template<> template<class X> 
    class A<int>::B { }; 
  template<> template<> template<class T> 
    void A<int>::B<double>::mf1(T t) { }
  template<class Y> template<> 
    void A<Y>::B<double>::mf2() { } // ill-formed; B<double> is specialized but 
                                    // its enclosing class template A is not 

The explicit specialization of member A<int>::B<double>::mf1 is ill-formed. The class template A<int>::B is explicitly specialized and contains no members, so any implicit specialization (such as A<int>::B<double>) would also contain no members.

Proposed Resolution (4/02):

Fix the example in 14.7.3 [temp.expl.spec] paragraph 18 to read:

  template<class T1> class A { 
    template<class T2> class B { 
      template<class T3> void mf1(T3);
      void mf2(); 
    }; 
  }; 
  template<> template<class X> 
    class A<int>::B {
      template<class T> void mf1(T);
    }; 
  template<> template<> template<class T> 
    void A<int>::B<double>::mf1(T t) { }
  template<class Y> template<> 
    void A<Y>::B<double>::mf2() { } // ill-formed; B<double> is specialized but 
                                    // its enclosing class template A is not 

337. Attempt to create array of abtract type should cause deduction to fail

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

In 14.8.2 [temp.deduct], attempting to create an array of abstract class type should be included in the list of things that cause type deduction to fail.

Proposed Resolution (4/02):

In 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 2 amend the bullet item:

Attempting to create an array with an element type that is void, a function type, or a reference type, or attempting to create an array with a size that is zero or negative.

To the following:

Attempting to create an array with an element type that is void, a function type, or a reference type, or an abstract class type, or attempting to create an array with a size that is zero or negative.

368. Uses of non-type parameters that should cause deduction to fail

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

I understand the rules in 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 2 are meant to be an exhaustive list of what can cause type deduction to fail.

Consider:

  template<typename U,U u> struct wrap_t;

  template<typename U> static yes check( wrap_t<U,U(0)>* );

  struct X { X(int); };
  int main() {
    check<X>(0);
  }

I can see 2 reasons this might cause type deduction to fail:

• Conversion is not a compile time constant.
• Non-type parameter is a class type.

Neither case is mentioned in 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 2, nor do I see a DR mentioning these.

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

Add after the fourth-to-last bullet of 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 2:

• Attempting to give an invalid type to a nontype template parameter. [Example:

    template <class T, T> struct S {};
    template <class T> int f(S<T, T()>*);
    struct X {};
    int i0 = f<X>(0);
  

  ]

398. Ambiguous wording on naming a type in deduction

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

The following example (simplified from a posting to comp.lang.c++.moderated) is accepted by some compilers (e.g., EDG), but not by other (e.g., g++).

  struct S {
    static int const I = 42;
  };

  template<int N> struct X {};

  template<typename T> void f(X<T::I>*) {}

  template<typename T> void f(X<T::J>*) {}

  int main() {
    f<S>(0);
  }

The wording in the standard that normally would cover this (third sub-bullet in 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 2) says:

Attempting to use a type in the qualifier portion of a qualified name that names a type when that type does not contain the specified member, or if the specified member is not a type where a type is required.

I suspect we want this example to work. Either way, I believe the sub-bullet deserves clarification.

Notes from April 2003 meeting:

We agreed that the example should be valid. The phrase "that names a type" applies to "the qualifier portion."

Proposed resolution (October 2003):

In 14.8.2 [temp.deduct], paragraph 2, bullet 3, sub-bullet 3, replace

Attempting to use a type in the qualifier portion of a qualified name that names a type when that type does not contain the specified member, or if the specified member is not a type where a type is required.

With

Attempting to use a type in a nested-name-specifier of a qualified-id when that type does not contain the specified member, or

• the specified member is not a type where a type is required, or
• the specified member is not a template where a template is required, or
• the specified member is not a nontype where a nontype is required.

[Example:

Replace the example that follows the above text with

template <int I> struct X { };
template <template <class T> class> struct Z {};
template <class T> void f(typename T::Y*){}
template <class T> void g(X<T::N>*){}
template <class T> void h(Z<T::template TT>*){}
struct A {};
struct B { int Y; };
struct C {
	typedef int N;
};
struct D {
	typedef int TT;
};

int main()
{
	// Deduction fails in each of these cases:
	f<A>(0); // A does not contain a member Y
	f<B>(0); // The Y member of B is not a type
	g<C>(0); // The N member of C is not a nontype
	h<D>(0); // The TT member of D is not a template
}

]

486. Invalid return types and template argument deduction

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

According to 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 2,

If a substitution in a template parameter or in the function type of the function template results in an invalid type, type deduction fails.

That would seem to apply to cases like the following:

    template <class T> T f(T&){}
    void f(const int*){}
    int main() {
      int a[5];
      f(a);
    }

Here, the return type of f is deduced as int[5], which is invalid according to 8.3.5 [dcl.fct] paragraph 6. The outcome of this example, then, should presumably be that type deduction fails and overload resolution selects the non-template function. However, the list of reasons in 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] for which type deduction can fail does not include function and array types as a function return type. Those cases should be added to the list.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

Change the last sub-bullet of 14.8.2 [temp.deduct] paragraph 2 as indicated:

• Attempting to create a function type in which a parameter has a type of void, or in which the return type is a function type or array type.

352. Nondeduced contexts

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

The current definition of the C++ language speaks about nondeduced contexts only in terms of deducing template arguments from a type 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 4. Those cases, however, don't seem to be the only ones when template argument deduction is not possible. The example below illustrates that:

namespace  A  {
   enum  ae  {   };
   template<class R, class A>
   int  foo(ae, R(*)(A))
   {   return  1;   }
}

template<typename T>
void  tfoo(T)
{   }

template<typename T>
int  tfoo(T)
{   return  1;   }

/*int  tfoo(int)
{   return  1;   }*/


int  main()
{
   A::ae   a;
   foo(a, &tfoo);
}

Here argument-dependent name lookup finds the function template 'A::foo' as a candidate function. None of the function template's function parameter types constitutes a nondeduced context as per 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 4. And yet, quite clearly, argument deduction is not possible in this context. Furthermore it is not clear what a conforming implementation shall do when the definition of the non-template function '::tfoo' is uncommented.

Suggested resolution:

Add the following as a new paragraph immediately before paragraph 3 of 14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call]:

After the above transformations, in the event of P being a function type, a pointer to function type, or a pointer to member function type and the corresponding A designating a set of overloaded (member) functions with at least one of the (member) functions introduced by the use of a (member) function template name (13.4 [over.over]) or by the use of a conversion function template (14.8.2.3 [temp.deduct.conv]), the whole function call expression is considered to be a nondeduced context. [Example:

namespace  A  {
   enum  ae  {   };
   template<class R, class A>
   int  foo(ae, R(*)(A))
   {   return  1;   }
}

template<typename T>
void  tfoo(T)
{   }

template<typename T>
int  tfoo(T)
{   return  1;   }

int  tfoo(int)
{   return  1;   }

int  main()
{
   A::ae   a;
   foo(a, &tfoo);   //  ill-formed, the call is a nondeduced context
   using  A::foo;
   foo<void,int>(a, &tfoo);  // well-formed, the address of the spe-
                             // cialization 'void tfoo<int>(int)' is
                             // the second argument of the call
}

Notes from October 2002 meeting:

There was agreement that deduction should fail but it's still possible to get a result -- it's just not a "nondeduced context" in the sense of the standard.

The presence of a template in the overload set should not automatically disqualify the overload set.

Proposed Resolution (April 2003, revised October 2003):

In 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 4 replace:

The nondeduced contexts are:

• The nested-name-specifier of a type that was specified using a qualified-id.
• A type that is a template-id in which one or more of the template-arguments is an expression that references a template-parameter.

The nondeduced contexts are:

• The nested-name-specifier of a type that was specified using a qualified-id.
• A non-type template argument or an array bound that is an expression that references a template-parameter.
• A template parameter used in the parameter type of a function parameter that has a default argument that is being used in the call for which argument deduction is being done.
• A function parameter for which argument deduction cannot be done because the associated function argument is a function, or a set of overloaded functions (13.4 [over.over]), and one or more of the following apply:
  • more than one function matches the function parameter type (resulting in an ambiguous deduction), or
  • no function matches the function parameter type, or
  • the set of functions supplied as an argument contains one or more function templates.

In 14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call], add after paragraph 3:

When P is a function type, pointer to function type, or pointer to member function type:

• If the argument is an overload set containing one or more function templates, the parameter is treated as a nondeduced context.
• If the argument is an overload set (not containing function templates), trial argument deduction is attempted using each of the members of the set. If deduction succeeds for only one of the overload set members, that member is used as the argument value for deduction. If deduction succeeds for more than one member of the overload set the parameter is treated as a nondeduced context.

[Example:

// Only one function of an overload set matches the call so the function
// parameter is a deduced context.
template <class T> int f(T (*p)(T));
int g(int);
int g(char);
int i = f(g);  // calls f(int (*)(int))

--end example]

[Example:

// Ambiguous deduction causes the second function parameter to be a
// nondeduced context.
template <class T> int f(T, T (*p)(T));
int g(int);
char g(char);
int i = f(1, g);  // calls f(int, int (*)(int))

--end example]

[Example:

// The overload set contains a template, causing the second function
// parameter to be a nondeduced context.
template <class T> int f(T, T (*p)(T));
char g(char);
template <class T> T g(T);
int i = f(1, g);  // calls f(int, int (*)(int))

--end example]

In 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 14, replace:

If, in the declaration of a function template with a non-type template-parameter, the non-type template-parameter is used in an expression in the function parameter-list, the corresponding template-argument must always be explicitly specified or deduced elsewhere because type deduction would otherwise always fail for such a template-argument.

If, in the declaration of a function template with a non-type template parameter, the non-type template parameter is used in an expression in the function parameter list, the expression is a nondeduced context.

Replace the example with:

[Example:

template<int i> class A { /* ... */ };
template<int i> void g(A<i+1>);
template<int i> void f(A<i>, A<i+1>);
void k() {
  A<1> a1;
  A<2> a2;
  g(a1);  //error: deduction fails for expression i+1
  g<0>(a1); //OK
  f(a1, a2);  // OK
}

--end example]

In 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 16, replace:

A template-argument can be deduced from a pointer to function or pointer to member function argument if the set of overloaded functions does not contain function templates and at most one of a set of overloaded functions provides a unique match.

With:

A template-argument can be deduced from a function, pointer to function, or pointer to member function type.

522. Array-to-pointer decay in template argument deduction

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

Consider the following example:

    char* cmdline3_[1] = {};

    template<class charT>
    void func(const charT* const argv[]) {}

    int main()
    {
        func(cmdline3_);
    }

In terms of the process described in 14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call], P is const charT* const * and A is char*[1]. According to the first bullet in paragraph 2, the type used in deduction is not A but “the pointer type produced by the array-to-pointer standard conversion.”

According to paragraph 4,

In general, the deduction process attempts to find template argument values that will make the deduced A identical to A (after the type A is transformed as described above). However, there are three cases that allow a difference:

In this example, the deduced A is not identical to the transformed A, because the deduced A has additional cv-qualification, so the three exceptions must be examined to see if they apply. The only one that might apply is the second bullet of paragraph 4:

• A can be another pointer or pointer to member type that can be converted to the deduced A via a qualification conversion (4.4 [conv.qual]).

However, A is not a pointer type but an array type; this provision does not apply and deduction fails.

It has been argued that the phrase “after the type A is transformed as described above” should be understood to apply to the A in the three bullets of paragraph 4. If that is the intent, the wording should be changed to make that explicit.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

Add the indicated words to 14.8.2.1 [temp.deduct.call] paragraph 4:

In general, the deduction process attempts to find template argument values that will make the deduced A identical to A (after the type A is transformed as described above). However, there are three cases that allow a difference:

• If the original P is a reference type, the deduced A (i.e., the type referred to by the reference) can be more cv-qualified than the transformed A.

• The transformed A can be another pointer or pointer to member type that can be converted to the deduced A via a qualification conversion (4.4 [conv.qual]).

• If P is a class, and P has the form template-id, then the transformed A can be a derived class of the deduced A. Likewise, if P is a pointer to a class of the form template-id, the transformed A can be a pointer to a derived class pointed to by the deduced A.

322. Deduction of reference conversions

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

Consider:

  struct S {
    template <class T> operator T& ();
  };

  int main ()
  {
    S s;
    int i = static_cast<int&> (s);
  }

Proposed Resolution (4/02):

Change the last chunk of 14.8.2.3 [temp.deduct.conv] paragraph 2 from

If A is a cv-qualified type, the top level cv-qualifiers of A's type are ignored for type deduction. If A is a reference type, the type referred to by A is used for type deduction.

If A is a cv-qualified type, the top level cv-qualifiers of A's type are ignored for type deduction. If A is a reference type, the type referred to by A is used for type deduction. If P is a reference type, the type referred to by P is used for type deduction.

349. Template argument deduction for conversion functions and qualification conversions

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

We ran into an issue concerning qualification conversions when doing template argument deduction for conversion functions.

The question is: What is the type of T in the conversion functions called by this example? Is T "int" or "const int"?

If T is "int", the conversion function in class A works and the one in class B fails (because the return expression cannot be converted to the return type of the function). If T is "const int", A fails and B works.

Because the qualification conversion is performed on the result of the conversion function, I see no benefit in deducing T as const int.

In addition, I think the code in class A is more likely to occur than the code in class B. If the author of the class was planning on returning a pointer to a const entity, I would expect the function to have been written with a const in the return type.

Consequently, I believe the correct result should be that T is int.

struct A {
	template <class T> operator T***() {
		int*** p = 0;
		return p;
	}
};

struct B {
	template <class T> operator T***() {
		const int*** p = 0;
		return p;
	}
};

int main()
{
	A a;
	const int * const * const * p1 = a;
	B b;
	const int * const * const * p2 = b;
}

We have just implemented this feature, and pending clarification by the committee, we deduce T as int. It appears that g++ and the Sun compiler deduce T as const int.

One way or the other, I think the standard should be clarified to specify how cases like this should be handled.

Notes from October 2002 meeting:

There was consensus on having the deduced type be "int" in the above.

Proposed resolution (April 2003):

Add to the end of 14.8.2.3 [temp.deduct.conv] (as a new paragraph following paragraph 3):

When the deduction process requires a qualification conversion for a pointer or pointer to member type as described above, the following process is used to determine the deduced template argument values:

If A is a type cv_1,0 pointer to ... cv _1,n-1 pointer to cv_1,n T1

and P is a type cv_2,0 pointer to ... cv_2,n-1 pointer to cv_2,n T2

The cv-unqualified T1 and T2 are used as the types of A and P respectively for type deduction.

[Example:

struct A {
	template <class T> operator T***();
};

A a;
const int * const * const * p1 = a;  // T is deduced as int, not const int

-- end example]

70. Is an array bound a nondeduced context?

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Paragraph 4 lists contexts in which template formals are not deduced. Were template formals in an expression in the array bound of an array type specification intentionally left out of this list? Or was the intent that such formals always be explicitly specified? Otherwise I believe the following should be valid:

    template <int I> class IntArr {};

    template <int I, int J>
    void concat( int (&d)[I+J], const IntArr<I>& a, const IntArr<J>& b ) {}

    int testing()
    {
        IntArr<2> a;
        IntArr<3> b;
        int d[5];

        concat( d, a, b );
    }

From John Spicer:

Expressions involving nontype template parameters are nondeduced contexts, even though they are omitted from the list in 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 4. See 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraphs 12-14:

12. A template type argument cannot be deduced from the type of a non-type template-argument.

     ...

14. If, in the declaration of a function template with a non-type template-parameter, the non-type template-parameter is used in an expression in the function parameter-list, the corresponding template-argument must always be explicitly specified or deduced elsewhere because type deduction would otherwise always fail for such a template-argument.

Proposed resolution (04/01): In 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 4, add a third bullet:

• An array bound that is an expression that references a template-parameter

300. References to functions in template argument deduction

[Moved to DR at October 2002 meeting.]

Paragraph 9 of 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] enumerates the forms that the types P and A need to have in order for template argument deduction to succeed.

For P denoting a pointer to function the paragraph lists the following forms as allowing for template argument deduction:

type(*)(T)
T(*)()
T(*)(T)

On the other hand, no provision has been made to accommodate similar cases for references to functions, which in light of the wording of 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 11 means that the program below is ill-formed (some of the C++ compilers do not reject it however):

    template<typename Arg, typename Result, typename T>
    Result  foo_r(Result(& rf)(Arg), T x)
    {   return  rf(Arg(x));   }

    template<typename Arg, typename Result, typename T>
    Result  foo_p(Result(* pf)(Arg), T x)
    {   return  pf(Arg(x));   }

    #include <iostream>
    int  show_arg(char c)
    {
       std::cout << c << ' ';
       if(std::cout)  return  0;
       return  -1;
    }

    int  main()
    {
                                                   // The deduction 
       int  (& rf1)(int(&)(char), double) = foo_r; // shall fail here
                                                   // While here
       int  (& rf2)(int(*)(char), double) = foo_p; // it shall succeed
       return  rf2(show_arg, 2);
    }

Proposed resolution (10/01, same as suggested resolution):

In the list of allowable forms for the types P and A in paragraph 9 of 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] replace

type(*)(T)
T(*)()
T(*)(T)

by

type(T)
T()
T(T)

526. Confusing aspects in the specification of non-deduced contexts

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 5 reads:

The non-deduced contexts are:

• The nested-name-specifier of a type that was specified using a qualified-id.

• A non-type template argument or an array bound that is an expression that references a template parameter.

• A template parameter used in the parameter type of a function parameter that has a default argument that is being used in the call for which argument deduction is being done.

• A function parameter for which argument deduction cannot be done because the associated function argument is a function, or a set of overloaded functions (13.4 [over.over]), and one or more of the following apply:

• more than one function matches the function parameter type (resulting in an ambiguous deduction), or

• no function matches the function parameter type, or

• the set of functions supplied as an argument contains one or more function templates.

• An array bound that is an expression that references a template-parameter.

There are two problems with this list:

1. The last bullet is redundant with the second bullet. This appears to have been the result of applying the resolutions of issues 70 and 352 independently instead of in coordination.

2. The second bullet appears to be contradicted by the statement in paragraph 8 saying that an argument can be deduced if P and A have the forms type[i] and template-name<i>.

   The intent of the wording in bullet 2 appears to have been that deduction cannot be done if the template parameter is a sub-expression of the template argument or array bound expression and that it can be done if it is the complete expression, but the current wording does not say that very clearly. (Similar wording also appears in 14.6.2.1 [temp.dep.type] paragraph 3 and 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 14.)

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

1. Change 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 5 as indicated:

The non-deduced contexts are:

• The nested-name-specifier of a type that was specified using a qualified-id.

• A non-type template argument or an array bound that is an expression that in either of which a subexpression references a template parameter.

• A template parameter used in the parameter type of a function parameter that has a default argument that is being used in the call for which argument deduction is being done.

• A function parameter for which argument deduction cannot be done because the associated function argument is a function, or a set of overloaded functions (13.4 [over.over]), and one or more of the following apply:

• more than one function matches the function parameter type (resulting in an ambiguous deduction), or

• no function matches the function parameter type, or

• the set of functions supplied as an argument contains one or more function templates.

• An array bound that is an expression that references a template-parameter.

2. Change 14.8.2.5 [temp.deduct.type] paragraph 14 as indicated:

If, in the declaration of a function template with a non-type template parameter, the non-type template parameter is used in an expression a subexpression in the function parameter list, the expression is a non-deduced context as specified above...

3. Change 14.6.2.1 [temp.dep.type] paragraph 3 as indicated:

A template argument that is equivalent to a template parameter (i.e., has the same constant value or the same type as the template parameter) can be used in place of that template parameter in a reference to the current instantiation. In the case of a non-type template argument, the argument must have been given the value of the template parameter and not an expression involving that contains the template parameter as a subexpression...

415. Template deduction does not cause instantiation

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

Mike Miller: In fact, now that I've looked more closely, that appears not to be the case. (At least, it's not the error I get when I compile his example.) Here's a minimal extract (without the inflammatory using-directive :-) that illustrates what I think is going on:

  template <typename _Iterator>
  struct iterator_traits {
    typedef typename _Iterator::difference_type difference_type;
  };

  template <typename _InputIterator>
  inline typename iterator_traits<_InputIterator>::difference_type
  distance(_InputIterator, _InputIterator);

  double distance(const int&, const int&);

  void f() {
    int i = 0;
    int j = 0;
    double d = distance(i, j);
  }

What happens is that iterator_traits<int> is instantiated as part of type deduction for the function template distance, and the instantiation fails. (Note that it can't be instantiation of distance<int>, as I had originally posited, because in this case only a declaration, not a definition, of that template is in scope.)

John Spicer: Yes, I believe that is what is going on.

Mike Miller: I seem to recall that there was some discussion of questions related to this during the core meetings in Oxford. I think Steve Adamczyk said something to the effect that it's infeasible to suppress all instantiation errors during template type deduction and simply call any such errors a deduction failure. (I could be misremembering, and I could be misapplying that comment to this situation.)

John Spicer: Regardless of other conditions in which this may apply, I don't think it would be reasonable for compilers to have to do "speculative instantiations" during template argument deduction. One class instantiation could kick off a series of other instantiations, etc.

Mike Miller: I don't see anything in the Standard that tells me whether it's legitimate or not to report an error in this case. I hope John or another template expert can enlighten me on that.

John Spicer: My opinion is that, because this case is not among those enumerated that cause deduction failure (rather than being ill-formed) that reporting an error is the right thing to do.

Mike Miller: I am still interested, though, in the question of why 14.8.3 [temp.over] says that viable function template specializations are instantiated, even if they are not selected by overload resolution.

John Spicer: I believe the wording in 14.8.3 [temp.over] is incorrect. I researched this and found that a change was made during the clause 14 restructuring that was incorporated in March of 1996. The prior wording was "the deduced template arguments are used to generate a single template function". This was changed to "deduced template arguments are used to instantiate a single function template specialization". I believe this resulted from what was basically a global replace of "generate" with "instantiate" and of "template function" with "function template specialization". In this case, the substitution changed the meaning. This paragraph needs reworking.

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

Change 14.8.3 [temp.over] paragraph 1 as indicated:

...For each function template, if the argument deduction and checking succeeds, the template-arguments (deduced and/or explicit) are used to instantiate synthesize the declaration of a single function template specialization which is added to the candidate functions set to be used in overload resolution. If, for a given function template, argument deduction fails, no such function is added to the set of candidate functions for that template. The complete set of candidate functions includes all the function templates instantiated in this way synthesized declarations and all of the non-template overloaded functions of the same name. The function template specializations synthesized declarations are treated like any other functions in the remainder of overload resolution, except as explicitly noted in 13.3.3 [over.match.best].

208. Rethrowing exceptions in nested handlers

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

Paragraph 7 of 15.1 [except.throw] discusses which exception is thrown by a throw-expression with no operand.

May an expression which has been "finished" (paragraph 7) by an inner catch block be rethrown by an outer catch block?

    catch(...)    // Catch the original exception
    {
      try{ throw; }    // rethrow it at an inner level
                       // (in reality this is probably
                       // inside a function)
      catch (...)
      {
      }   // Here, an exception (the original object)
          // is "finished" according to 15.1p7 wording

      // 15.1p7 says that only an unfinished exception
      // may be rethrown.
      throw;    // Can we throw it again anyway?  It is
                // certainly still alive (15.1p4).
    }

I believe this is ok, since the paragraph says that the exception is finished when the "corresponding" catch clause exits. However since we have two clauses, and only one exception, it would seem that the one exception gets "finished" twice.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

1. In 15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 4, change

   When the last handler being executed for the exception exits by any means other than throw; ...

   to

   When the last remaining active handler for the exception exits by any means other than throw; ...

2. In 15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 6, change

   A throw-expression with no operand rethrows the exception being handled.

   to

   A throw-expression with no operand rethrows the currently handled exception (15.3 [except.handle]).

3. Delete 15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 7.

4. Add the following before 15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 6:

   An exception is considered caught when a handler for that exception becomes active (15.3 [except.handle]). [Note: an exception can have active handlers and still be considered uncaught if it is rethrown.]

5. Change 15.3 [except.handle] paragraph 8 from

   An exception is considered handled upon entry to a handler. [Note: the stack will have been unwound at that point.]

   to

   A handler is considered active when initialization is complete for the formal parameter (if any) of the catch clause. [Note: the stack will have been unwound at that point.] Also, an implicit handler is considered active when std::terminate() or std::unexpected() is entered due to a throw. A handler is no longer considered active when the catch clause exits or when std::unexpected() exits after being entered due to a throw.

   The exception with the most recently activated handler that is still active is called the currently handled exception.

6. In 15.3 [except.handle] paragraph 16, change "exception being handled" to "currently handled exception."

428. Mention of expression with reference type

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 3 says that the type of a throw expression shall not be a pointer or reference to an incomplete type. But an expression never has reference type.

Proposed Resolution (October 2003):

Change the penultimate sentence of 15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 3 as follows:

The type of the throw-expression shall not be an incomplete type, or a pointer or reference to an incomplete type other than (possibly cv-qualified) void, other than void*, const void*, volatile void*, or const volatile void*.

479. Copy elision in exception handling

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

I have noticed a couple of confusing and overlapping passages dealing with copy elision. The first is 15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 5:

If the use of the temporary object can be eliminated without changing the meaning of the program except for the execution of constructors and destructors associated with the use of the temporary object (12.2 [class.temporary]), then the exception in the handler can be initialized directly with the argument of the throw expression.

The other is 15.3 [except.handle] paragraph 17:

If the use of a temporary object can be eliminated without changing the meaning of the program except for execution of constructors and destructors associated with the use of the temporary object, then the optional name can be bound directly to the temporary object specified in a throw-expression causing the handler to be executed.

I think these two passages are intended to describe the same optimization. However, as is often the case where something is described twice, there are significant differences. One is just different terminology — is “the exception in the handler” the same as “the object declared in the exception-declaration or, if the exception-declaration does not specify a name, a temporary object of that type” (15.3 [except.handle] paragraph 16)?

More significant, there is a difference in which kinds of throw-expressions are eligible for the optimization. In 15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 5, it appears that any object is a candidate, while in 15.3 [except.handle] paragraph 17 the thrown object must be a temporary (“the temporary object specified in a throw-expression”). For example, it's not clear looking at these two passages whether the copy of a local automatic can be elided. I.e., by analogy with the return value optimization described in 12.8 [class.copy] paragraph 15:

    X x;
    return x;    // copy may be elided

    X x;
    throw x;     // unclear whether copy may be elided

Which brings up another point: 12.8 [class.copy] paragraph 15 purports to be an exhaustive list in which copy elision is permitted even if the constructor and/or destructor have side effects; however, these two passages describe another case that is not mentioned in 12.8 [class.copy] paragraph 15.

A final point of confusion: in the unoptimized abstract machine, there are actually two copies in throwing and handling an exception: the copy from the object being thrown to the exception object, and the copy from the exception object to the object or temporary in the exception-declaration. 15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 5 speaks only of eliminating the exception object, copying the thrown object directly into the exception-declaration object, while 15.3 [except.handle] paragraph 17 refers to directly binding the exception-declaration object to the thrown object (if it's a temporary). Shouldn't these be separated, with a throw of an automatic object or temporary being like the return value optimization and the initialization of the object/temporary in the exception-declaration being a separate optimizable step (which could, presumably, be combined to effectively alias the exception-declaration onto the thrown object)?

(See paper J16/04-0165 = WG21 N1725.)

Proposed resolution (April, 2005):

1. Add two items to the bulleted list in 12.8 [class.copy] paragraph 15 as follows:

   This elision of copy operations is permitted in the following circumstances (which may be combined to eliminate multiple copies):

   • in a return statement in a function with a class return type, when the expression is the name of a non-volatile automatic object with the same cv-unqualified type as the function return type, the copy operation can be omitted by constructing the automatic object directly into the function’s return value

   • in a throw-expression, when the operand is the name of a non-volatile automatic object, the copy operation from the operand to the exception object (15.1 [except.throw]) can be omitted by constructing the automatic object directly into the exception object

   • when a temporary class object that has not been bound to a reference (12.2 [class.temporary]) would be copied to a class object with the same cv-unqualified type, the copy operation can be omitted by constructing the temporary object directly into the target of the omitted copy

   • when the exception-declaration of an exception handler (clause 15 [except]) declares an object of the same type (except for cv-qualification) as the exception object (15.1 [except.throw]), the copy operation can be omitted by treating the exception-declaration as an alias for the exception object if the meaning of the program will be unchanged except for the execution of constructors and destructors for the object declared by the exception-declaration

2. Change 15.1 [except.throw] paragraph 5 as follows:

   If the use of the temporary object can be eliminated without changing the meaning of the program except for the execution of constructors and destructors associated with the use of the temporary object (12.2 [class.temporary]), then the exception in the handler can be initialized directly with the argument of the throw expression. When the thrown object is a class object, and the copy constructor used to initialize the temporary copy is not and the destructor shall be accessible, the program is ill-formed (even when the temporary object could otherwise be eliminated) even if the copy operation is elided (12.8 [class.copy]). Similarly, if the destructor for that object is not accessible, the program is ill-formed (even when the temporary object could otherwise be eliminated).

3. Change 15.3 [except.handle] paragraph 17 as follows:

   If the use of a temporary object can be eliminated without changing the meaning of the program except for execution of constructors and destructors associated with the use of the temporary object, then the optional name can be bound directly to the temporary object specified in a throw-expression causing the handler to be executed. The copy constructor and destructor associated with the object shall be accessible even when the temporary object is eliminated if the copy operation is elided (12.8 [class.copy]).

87. Exception specifications on function parameters

[Moved to DR at 4/01 meeting.]

In 15.4 [except.spec] paragraph 2:

An exception-specification shall appear only on a function declarator in a function, pointer, reference or pointer to member declaration or definition.

    void f(int (*pf)(float) throw(A))

However, if exception specifications are made part of a function's type as has been tentatively agreed, they would have to be allowed on any function declaration.

There is already an example of an exception specification for a parameter in the example in 15.4 [except.spec] paragraph 1.

Proposed resolution (04/01): Change text in 15.4 [except.spec] paragraph 1 from:

An exception-specification shall appear only on a function declarator in a function, pointer, reference or pointer to member declaration or definition.

An exception-specification shall appear only on a function declarator for a function type, pointer to function type, reference to function type, or pointer to member function type that is the top-level type of a declaration or definition, or on such a type appearing as a parameter or return type in a function declarator.

(See also issues 25, 92, and 133.)

394. identifier-list is never defined

[Voted into WP at October 2004 meeting.]

In clause 16 [cpp], paragraph 1, the control-line non-terminal symbol is defined in terms of the identifier-list non-terminal, which is never defined within the standard document.

The same definition is repeated in clause A.14 [gram.cpp].

I suggest that the following definition is added to clause 16 [cpp], paragraph 1, after the one for replacement-list:

identifier-list:
identifier
identifier-list , identifier

This should be repeated again in clause A.14 [gram.cpp], again after the one for replacement-list. It might also be desirable to include a third repetition in clause 16.3 [cpp.replace], paragraph 9.

Proposed Resolution (Clark Nelson, Dec 2003):

In clause 16 [cpp], paragraph 1, immediately before the definition of replacement-list, add:

identifier-list:
identifier
identifier-list , identifier

If the correct TROFF macros are used, the definition will appear automatically in appendix A. It doesn't need to be repeated in 16.3p9.

With respect to the question of having the preprocessor description be synchronized with C99, this would fall into the category of a justified difference. (Other justified differences include those for Boolean expressions, alternative tokens, and terminology differences.)

370. Can #include <...> form be used other than for standard C++ headers?

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

The motivation for this issue is a desire to write portable programs which will work with any conforming implementation.

The C++ Standard (16.2 [cpp.include]) provides two forms of #include directives, with the <...> form being described (16.2 [cpp.include] paragraph 2) as "for a header", and the "..." form (16.2 [cpp.include] paragraph 3) as for "the source file" identified between the delimiters. When the standard uses the term "header", it often appears to be limiting the term to apply to the Standard Library headers only. Users of the standard almost always use the term "header" more broadly, to cover all #included source files, but particularly those containing interface declarations.

Headers, including source files, can be categorized according to their origin and usage:

1. C++ Standard Library headers (which aren't necessarily files).
2. Other standard libraries such as the POSIX headers.
3. Operating system API's such as windows.h.
4. Third party libraries, such as Boost, ACE, or commercial offerings.
5. Organization-wide "standard" header files, such as a company's config.hpp.
6. A project's "public" header files, often shared by all developers working on the same project.
7. A project or user's "private", "local", or "detail" headers, in the same directory or sub-directory as the compilation unit.

Existing practice varies widely, but it is fairly easy to find users advocating:

• For (1), Standard Library headers, use <...>. All others use "...".
• For (7), use "...". All others use <...>.
• Draw a line somewhere below (1) and above (7), and use <...> above the line and "..." below. The exact location of the line may be based on a perception of how often the header involved changes; some "make" utilities use this to optimize builds.

Do any of the practices A, B, or C result in programs which can be rejected by a conforming implementation?

The first defect is that readers of the standard have not been able to reach consensus on the answers to the above question.

A second possible defect is that if A, B, or C can be rejected by a conforming implementation, then the standard should be changed because would mean there is a wide variance between the standard and existing practice.

Matt Austern: I really only see two positions:

1. Implementations have some unspecified mechanism (copying files to a magic directory, adding a magic flag,...) such that the line #include <foo> results in textual inclusion of the file foo.
2. Implementations are not required to have any mechanism for getting #include <foo> to perform textual inclusion of an arbitrary file foo. That form is reserved for standard library headers only.

I agree that the standard should clarify which of those two is the case (I imagine it'll hinge on finding one crucual sentence that either says "implementation defined" or "unspecified"), but from the standpoint of portability I don't see much difference between the two. I claim that, with either of those two interpretations, using #include <foo> is already nonportable.

(Of course, I claim that almost anything having to do with headers, including the #include "foo" form, is also nonportable. In practice there's wide variation in how compilers handle paths, especially relative paths.)

Beman Dawes: The whole issue can be resolved by replacing "header" with "header or source file" in 16.2 [cpp.include] paragraph 2. That will bring the standard into alignment with existing practice by both users and implementations. The "header and/or source file" wording is used at least three other places in the standard where otherwise there might be some confusion.

John Skaller: In light of Andrew Koenig's comments, this doesn't appear to be the case, since the mapping of include names to file names is implementation defined, and therefore source file inclusion cannot be made portable within the ISO C/C++ standards (since that provision obviously cannot be removed).

A possible idea is to create a binding standard, outside the C/C++ ISO Standards, which specifies not only the path lookup mechanism but also the translation from include names to file names. Clearly that is OS dependent, encoding dependent, etc, but there is no reason not to have a binding standard for Unix, Windows, etc, and specify these bindings in such a way that copying directories from one OS to the other can result in programs working on both OS's.

Andy Koenig: An easier solution might be to specify a (presumably unbounded, or bounded only by implementation capacity) collection of header-file names that every implementation must make it possible for programs to access somehow, without specifying exactly how.

Notes from October 2002 meeting:

This was discussed at some length. While there was widespread agreement that such inclusion is inherently implementation-dependent, we agreed to try to add wording that would make it clear that implementations are permitted (but not required) to allow inclusion of files using the <...> form of #include.

Proposed resolution (April, 2005):

Change 16.2 [cpp.include] paragraph 7 from:

[Example: The most common uses of #include preprocessing directives are as in the following:

    #include <stdio.h>
    #include "myprog.h"

—end example]

to:

[Note: Although an implementation may provide a mechanism for making arbitrary source files available to the < > search, in general programmers should use the < > form for headers provided with the implementation, and the " " form for sources outside the control of the implementation. For instance:

    #include <stdio.h>
    #include <unistd.h>
    #include "usefullib.h"
    #include "myprog.h"

—end note]

Notes from October, 2005 meeting:

Some doubt was expressed as to whether the benefit of this non-normative clarification outweighs the overall goal of synchronizing clause 16 with the corresponding text in the C99 Standard. As a result, this issue is being left in “review” status to allow further discussion.

Additional notes (October, 2006):

WG14 takes no position on this change.

362. Order of initialization in instantiation units

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

Should this program do what its author obviously expects? As far as I can tell, the standard says that the point of instantiation for Fib<n-1>::Value is the same as the point of instantiation as the enclosing specialization, i.e., Fib<n>::Value. What in the standard actually says that these things get initialized in the right order?

  template<int n>
  struct Fib { static int Value; };

  template <>
  int Fib<0>::Value = 0;

  template <>
  int Fib<1>::Value = 1;

  template<int n>
  int Fib<n>::Value = Fib<n-1>::Value + Fib<n-2>::Value;

  int f ()
  {
    return Fib<40>::Value;
  }

John Spicer: My opinion is that the standard does not specify the behavior of this program. I thought there was a core issue related to this, but I could not find it. The issue that I recall proposed tightening up the static initialization rules to make more cases well defined.

Your comment about point of instantiation is correct, but I don't think that really matters. What matters is the order of execution of the initialization code at execution time. Instantiations don't really live in "translation units" according to the standard. They live in "instantiation units", and the handling of instantiation units in initialization is unspecified (which should probably be another core issue). See 2.1 [lex.phases] paragraph 8.

Notes from October 2002 meeting:

We discussed this and agreed that we really do mean the the order is unspecified. John Spicer will propose wording on handling of instantiation units in initialization.

Proposed resolution (April 2003):

TC1 contains the following text in 3.6.2 [basic.start.init] paragraph 1:

Objects with static storage duration defined in namespace scope in the same translation unit and dynamically initialized shall be initialized in the order in which their definition appears in the translation unit.

This was revised by issue 270 to read:

Dynamic initialization of an object is either ordered or unordered. Explicit specializations and definitions of class template static data members have ordered initialization. Other class template static data member instances have unordered initialization. Other objects defined in namespace scope have ordered initialization. Objects defined within a single translation unit and with ordered initialization shall be initialized in the order of their definitions in the translation unit. The order of initialization is unspecified for objects with unordered initialization and for objects defined in different translation units.

This addresses this issue but while reviewing this issue some additional changes were suggested for the above wording:

Dynamic initialization of an object is either ordered or unordered. Definitions of explicitly specialized Explicit specializations and definitions of class template static data members have ordered initialization. Other class template static data members (i.e., implicitly or explicitly instantiated specializations) instances have unordered initialization. Other objects defined in namespace scope have ordered initialization. Objects defined within a single translation unit and with ordered initialization shall be initialized in the order of their definitions in the translation unit. The order of initialization is unspecified for objects with unordered initialization and for objects defined in different translation units.

505. Conditionally-supported behavior for unknown character escapes

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

The current wording of 2.13.2 [lex.ccon] paragraph 3 states,

If the character following a backslash is not one of those specified, the behavior is undefined.

Paper J16/04-0167=WG21 N1727 suggests that such character escapes be ill-formed. In discussions at the Lillehammer meeting, however, the CWG felt that the newly-approved category of conditionally-supported behavior would be more appropriate.

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

Change the next-to-last sentence of 2.13.2 [lex.ccon] paragraph 3 from:

If the character following a backslash is not one of those specified, the behavior is undefined.

to:

Escape sequences in which the character following the backslash is not listed in Table 6 are conditionally-supported, with implementation-defined semantics.

158. Aliasing and qualification conversions

[Moved to DR at 4/02 meeting.]

3.10 [basic.lval] paragraph 15 lists the types via which an lvalue can be used to access the stored value of an object; using an lvalue type that is not listed results in undefined behavior. It is permitted to add cv-qualification to the actual type of the object in this access, but only at the top level of the type ("a cv-qualified version of the dynamic type of the object").

However, 4.4 [conv.qual] paragraph 4 permits a "conversion [to] add cv-qualifiers at levels other than the first in multi-level pointers." The combination of these two rules allows creation of pointers that cannot be dereferenced without causing undefined behavior. For instance:

    int* jp;
    const int * const * p1 = &jp;
    *p1;    // undefined behavior!

The reason that *p1 results in undefined behavior is that the type of the lvalue is const int * const", which is not "a cv-qualified version of" int*.

Since the conversion is permitted, we must give it defined semantics, hence we need to fix the wording in 3.10 [basic.lval] to include all possible conversions of the type via 4.4 [conv.qual].

Proposed resolution (04/01):

Add a new bullet to 3.10 [basic.lval] paragraph 15, following "a cv-qualified version of the dynamic type of the object:"

• A type similar (as defined in 4.4 [conv.qual]) to the dynamic type of the object,

261. When is a deallocation function "used?"

[Moved to DR at October 2002 meeting.]

3.2 [basic.def.odr] paragraph 2 says that a deallocation function is "used" by a new-expression or delete-expression appearing in a potentially-evaluated expression. 3.2 [basic.def.odr] paragraph 3 requires only that "used" functions be defined.

This wording runs afoul of the typical implementation technique for polymorphic delete-expressions in which the deallocation function is invoked from the virtual destructor of the most-derived class. The problem is that the destructor must be defined, because it's virtual, and if it contains an implicit reference to the deallocation function, the deallocation function must also be defined, even if there are no relevant new-expressions or delete-expressions in the program.

For example:

        struct B { virtual ~B() { } };

        struct D: B {
            void operator delete(void*);
            ~D() { }
        };

Is it required that D::operator delete(void*) be defined, even if no B or D objects are ever created or deleted?

Suggested resolution: Add the words "or if it is found by the lookup at the point of definition of a virtual destructor (12.4 [class.dtor])" to the specification in 3.2 [basic.def.odr] paragraph 2.

Notes from 04/01 meeting:

The consensus was in favor of requiring that any declared non-placement operator delete member function be defined if the destructor for the class is defined (whether virtual or not), and similarly for a non-placement operator new if a constructor is defined.

Proposed resolution (10/01):

In 3.2 [basic.def.odr] paragraph 2, add the indicated text:

An allocation or deallocation function for a class is used by a new expression appearing in a potentially-evaluated expression as specified in 5.3.4 [expr.new] and 12.5 [class.free]. A deallocation function for a class is used by a delete expression appearing in a potentially-evaluated expression as specified in 5.3.5 [expr.delete] and 12.5 [class.free]. A non-placement allocation or deallocation function for a class is used by the definition of a constructor of that class. A non-placement deallocation function for a class is used by the definition of the destructor of that class, or by being selected by the lookup at the point of definition of a virtual destructor (12.4 [class.dtor]). [Footnote: An implementation is not required to call allocation and deallocation functions from constructors or destructors; however, this is a permissible implementation technique.]

289. Incomplete list of contexts requiring a complete type

[Moved to DR at October 2002 meeting.]

3.2 [basic.def.odr] paragraph 4 has a note listing the contexts that require a class type to be complete. It does not list use as a base class as being one of those contexts.

Proposed resolution (10/01):

In 3.2 [basic.def.odr] paragraph 4 add a new bullet at the end of the note as the next-to-last bullet:

• a class with a base class of type T is defined (10 [class.derived]), or

433. Do elaborated type specifiers in templates inject into enclosing namespace scope?

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

Consider the following translation unit:

  template<class T> struct S {
    void f(union U*);  // (1)
  };
  template<class T> void S<T>::f(union U*) {}  // (2)
  U *p;  // (3)

Does (1) introduce U as a visible name in the surrounding namespace scope?

If not, then (2) could presumably be an error since the "union U" in that definition does not find the same type as the declaration (1).

If yes, then (3) is OK too. However, we have gone through much trouble to allow template implementations that do not pre-parse the template definitions, but requiring (1) to be visible would change that.

A slightly different case is the following:

  template<typename> void f() { union U *p; }
  U *q;  // Should this be valid?

Notes from October 2003 meeting:

There was consensus that example 1 should be allowed. (Compilers already parse declarations in templates; even MSVC++ 6.0 accepts this case.) The vote was 7-2.

Example 2, on the other hand, is wrong; the union name goes into a block scope anyway.

Proposed resolution:

In 3.3.1 [basic.scope.pdecl] change the second bullet of paragraph 5 as follows:

for an elaborated-type-specifier of the form

   class-key identifier

if the elaborated-type-specifier is used in the decl-specifier-seq or parameter-declaration-clause of a function defined in namespace scope, the identifier is declared as a class-name in the namespace that contains the declaration; otherwise, except as a friend declaration, the identifier is declared in the smallest non-class, non-function-prototype scope that contains the declaration. [Note: These rules also apply within templates.] [Note: ...]

432. Is injected class name visible in base class specifier list?

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

Consider the following example (inspired by a question from comp.lang.c++.moderated):

  template<typename> struct B {};
  template<typename T> struct D: B<D> {};

Most (all?) compilers reject this code because D is handled as a template name rather than as the injected class name.

9 [class]/2 says that the injected class name is "inserted into the scope of the class."

3.3.6 [basic.scope.class]/1 seems to be the text intended to describe what "scope of a class" means, but it assumes that every name in that scope was introduced using a "declarator". For an implicit declaration such as the injected-class name it is not clear what that means.

So my questions:

1. Should the injected class name be available in the base class specifiers?

   John Spicer: I do not believe the injected class name should be available in the base specifier. I think the semantics of injected class names should be as if a magic declaration were inserted after the opening "{" of the class definition. The injected class name is a member of the class and members don't exist at the point where the base specifiers are scanned.

2. Do you agree the wording should be clarified whatever the answer to the first question?

   John Spicer: I believe the 3.3.6 [basic.scope.class] wording should be updated to reflect the fact that not all names come from declarators.

Notes from October 2003 meeting:

We agree with John Spicer's suggested answers above.

Proposed Resolution (October 2003):

The answer to question 1 above is No and no change is required.

For question 1, change 3.3.6 [basic.scope.class] paragraph 1 rule 1 to:

1) The potential scope of a name declared in a class consists not only of the declarative region following the name's point of declaration declarator, but also of all function bodies, default arguments, and constructor ctor-initializers in that class (including such things in nested classes). The point of declaration of an injected-class-name (clause 9 [class]) is immediately following the opening brace of the class definition.

(Note that this change overlaps a change in issue 417.)

Also change 3.3.1 [basic.scope.pdecl] by adding a new paragraph 8 for the injected-class-name case:

The point of declaration for an injected-class-name (clause 9 [class]) is immediately following the opening brace of the class definition.

Alternatively this paragraph could be added after paragraph 5 and before the two note paragraphs (i.e. it would become paragraph 5a).

139. Error in friend lookup example

[Moved to DR at 10/01 meeting.]

The example in 3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual] paragraph 3 is incorrect:

    typedef int f;
    struct A {
        friend void f(A &);
        operator int();
        void g(A a) {
            f(a);
        }
    };

One possible repair of the example would be to make f a class with a constructor taking either A or int as its parameter.

(See also issues 95, 136, 138, 143, 165, and 166.)

Proposed resolution (04/01):

1. Change the example in 3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual] paragraph 3 to read:

       typedef int f;
       namespace N {
           struct A {
               friend int f(A &);
               operator int();
               void g(A a) {
                   int i = f(a);
                         // f is the typedef, not the friend function:
                         // equivalent to int(a)
               }
           };
       }
   

2. Delete the sentence immediately following the example:

   The expression f(a) is a cast-expression equivalent to int(a).

514. Is the initializer for a namespace member in the scope of the namespace?

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

Is the following code well-formed?

    namespace N {
      int i;
      extern int j;
    }
    int N::j = i;

The question here is whether the lookup for i in the initializer of N::j finds the declaration in namespace N or not. Implementations differ on this question.

If N::j were a static data member of a class, the answer would be clear: both 3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual] paragraph 12 and 8.5 [dcl.init] paragraph 11 say that the initializer “is in the scope of the member's class.” There is no such provision for namespace members defined outside the namespace, however.

The reasoning given in 3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual] may be instructive:

A name used in the definition of a static data member of class X (9.4.2 [class.static.data]) (after the qualified-id of the static member) is looked up as if the name was used in a member function of X.

It is certainly the case that a name used in a function that is a member of a namespace is looked up in that namespace (3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual] paragraph 6), regardless of whether the definition is inside or outside that namespace. Initializers for namespace members should probably be looked up the same way.

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

Add a new paragraph following 3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual] paragraph 12:

If a variable member of a namespace is defined outside of the scope of its namespace then any name used in the definition of the variable member (after the declarator-id) is looked up as if the definition of the variable member occurred in its namespace. [Example:

    namespace N {
      int i = 4;
      extern int j;
    }

    int i = 2;

    int N::j = i;	// N::j == 4

—end example]

143. Friends and Koenig lookup

[Moved to DR at 4/02 meeting.]

Paragraphs 1 and 2 of 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] say, in part,

When an unqualified name is used as the postfix-expression in a function call (5.2.2 [expr.call] )... namespace-scope friend function declarations (11.4 [class.friend] ) not otherwise visible may be found... the set of declarations found by the lookup of the function name [includes] the set of declarations found in the... classes associated with the argument types.

Consider the following example:

    namespace A {
	class S;
    };
    namespace B {
	void f(A::S);
    };
    namespace A {
	class S {
	    int i;
	    friend void B::f(S);
	};
    }
    void g() {
	A::S s;
	f(s); // should find B::f(A::S)
    }

Another interpretation is that, instead of finding the friend declarations in associated classes, one only looks for namespace-scope functions, visible or invisible, in the namespaces of which the the associated classes are members; the only use of the friend declarations in the associated classes is to validate whether an invisible function declaration came from an associated class or not and thus whether it should be included in the overload set or not. By this interpretation, the call f(s) in the example will fail, because B::f(A::S) is not a member of namespace A and thus is not found by the lookup.

Notes from 10/99 meeting: The second interpretation is correct. The wording should be revised to make clear that Koenig lookup works by finding "invisible" declarations in namespace scope and not by finding friend declarations in associated classes.

Proposed resolution (04/01): The "associated classes" are handled adequately under this interpretation by 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] paragraph 3, which describes the lookup in the associated namespaces as including the friend declarations from the associated classes. Other mentions of the associated classes should be removed or qualified to avoid the impression that there is a lookup in those classes:

1. In 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep], change

   When an unqualified name is used as the postfix-expression in a function call (5.2.2 [expr.call]), other namespaces not considered during the usual unqualified lookup (3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual]) may be searched, and namespace-scope friend function declarations (11.4 [class.friend]) not otherwise visible may be found.

   to

   When an unqualified name is used as the postfix-expression in a function call (5.2.2 [expr.call]), other namespaces not considered during the usual unqualified lookup (3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual]) may be searched, and in those namespaces, namespace-scope friend function declarations (11.4 [class.friend]) not otherwise visible may be found.

2. In 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] paragraph 2, delete the words and classes in the following two sentences:

   If the ordinary unqualified lookup of the name finds the declaration of a class member function, the associated namespaces and classes are not considered. Otherwise the set of declarations found by the lookup of the function name is the union of the set of declarations found using ordinary unqualified lookup and the set of declarations found in the namespaces and classes associated with the argument types.

(See also issues 95, 136, 138, 139, 165, 166, and 218.)

218. Specification of Koenig lookup

[Voted into WP at April, 2007 meeting.]

The original intent of the Committee when Koenig lookup was added to the language was apparently something like the following:

1. The name in the function call expression is looked up like any other unqualified name.
2. If the ordinary unqualified lookup finds nothing or finds the declaration of a (non-member) function, function template, or overload set, argument-dependent lookup is done and any functions found in associated namespaces are added to the result of the ordinary lookup.

This approach is not reflected in the current wording of the Standard. Instead, the following appears to be the status quo:

1. Lookup of an unqualified name used as the postfix-expression in the function call syntax always performs Koenig lookup (3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual] paragraph 3).
2. Unless ordinary lookup finds a class member function, the result of Koenig lookup always includes the declarations found in associated namespaces (3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] paragraph 2), regardless of whether ordinary lookup finds a declaration and, if so, what kind of entity is found.
3. The declarations from associated namespaces are not limited to functions and template functions by anything in 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep]. However, if Koenig lookup results in more than one declaration and at least one of the declarations is a non-function, the program is ill-formed (7.3.4 [namespace.udir], paragraph 4; although this restriction is in the description of the using-directive, the wording applies to any lookup that spans namespaces).

John Spicer: Argument-dependent lookup was created to solve the problem of looking up function names within templates where you don't know which namespace to use because it may depend on the template argument types (and was then expanded to permit use in nontemplates). The original intent only concerned functions. The safest and simplest change is to simply clarify the existing wording to that effect.

Bill Gibbons: I see no reason why non-function declarations should not be found. It would take a special rule to exclude "function objects", as well as pointers to functions, from consideration. There is no such rule in the standard and I see no need for one.

There is also a problem with the wording in 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] paragraph 2:

If the ordinary unqualified lookup of the name finds the declaration of a class member function, the associated namespaces and classes are not considered.

This implies that if the ordinary lookup of the name finds the declaration of a data member which is a pointer to function or function object, argument-dependent lookup is still done.

My guess is that this is a mistake based on the incorrect assumption that finding any member other than a member function would be an error. I would just change "class member function" to "class member" in the quoted sentence.

Mike Miller: In light of the issue of "short-circuiting" Koenig lookup when normal lookup finds a non-function, perhaps it should be written as "...finds the declaration of a class member, an object, or a reference, the associated namespaces..."?

Andy Koenig: I think I have to weigh in on the side of extending argument-dependent lookup to include function objects and pointers to functions. I am particularly concerned about [function objects], because I think that programmers should be able to replace functions by function objects without changing the behavior of their programs in fundamental ways.

Bjarne Stroustrup: I don't think we could seriously argue from first principles that [argument-dependent lookup should find only function declarations]. In general, C++ name lookup is designed to be independent of type: First we find the name(s), then, we consider its(their) meaning. 3.4 [basic.lookup] states "The name lookup rules apply uniformly to all names ..." That is an important principle.

Thus, I consider text that speaks of "function call" instead of plain "call" or "application of ()" in the context of koenig lookup an accident of history. I find it hard to understand how 5.2.2 [expr.call] doesn't either disallow all occurrences of x(y) where x is a class object (that's clearly not intended) or requires koenig lookup for x independently of its type (by reference from 3.4 [basic.lookup]). I suspect that a clarification of 5.2.2 [expr.call] to mention function objects is in order. If the left-hand operand of () is a name, it should be looked up using koenig lookup.

John Spicer: This approach causes otherwise well-formed programs to be ill-formed, and it does so by making names visible that might be completely unknown to the author of the program. Using-directives already do this, but argument-dependent lookup is different. You only get names from using-directives if you actually use using-directives. You get names from argument-dependent lookup whether you want them or not.

This basically breaks an important reason for having namespaces. You are not supposed to need any knowledge of the names used by a namespace.

But this example breaks if argument-dependent lookup finds non-functions and if the translation unit includes the <list> header somewhere.

    namespace my_ns {
        struct A {};
        void list(std::ostream&, A&);

        void f() {
            my_ns::A a;
            list(cout, a);
        }
    }

This really makes namespaces of questionable value if you still need to avoid using the same name as an entity in another namespace to avoid problems like this.

Erwin Unruh: Before we really decide on this topic, we should have more analysis on the impact on programs. I would also like to see a paper on the possibility to overload functions with function surrogates (no, I won't write one). Since such an extension is bound to wait until the next official update, we should not preclude any outcome of the discussion.

I would like to have a change right now, which leaves open several outcomes later. I would like to say that:

Koenig lookup will find non-functions as well. If it finds a variable, the program is ill-formed. If the primary lookup finds a variable, Koenig lookup is done. If the result contains both functions and variables, the program is ill-formed. [Note: A future standard will assign semantics to such a program.]

I myself are not comfortable with this as a long-time result, but it prepares the ground for any of the following long term solutions:

• Do overloading on mixed function/variable sets.
• Ignore variables on Koenig lookup.
• Don't do Koenig lookup if the primary lookup finds a variable.
• Find variables on Koenig lookup and give an error if there is a variable/function mix.

The note is there to prevent compiler vendors to put their own extensions in here.

(See also issues 113 and 143.)

Notes from 04/00 meeting:

Although many agreed that there were valid concerns motivating a desire for Koenig lookup to find non-function declarations, there was also concern that supporting this capability would be more dangerous than helpful in the absence of overload resolution for mixed function and non-function declarations.

A straw poll of the group revealed 8 in favor of Koenig lookup finding functions and function templates only, while 3 supported the broader result.

Notes from the 10/01 meeting:

There was unanimous agreement on one less controversial point: if the normal lookup of the identifier finds a non-function, argument-dependent lookup should not be done.

On the larger issue, the primary point of consensus is that making this change is an extension, and therefore it should wait until the point at which we are considering extensions (which could be very soon). There was also consensus on the fact that the standard as it stands is not clear: some introductory text suggests that argument-dependent lookup finds only functions, but the more detailed text that describes the lookup does not have any such restriction.

It was also noted that some existing implementations (e.g., g++) do find some non-functions in some cases.

The issue at this point is whether we should (1) make a small change to make the standard clear (presumably in the direction of not finding the non-functions in the lookup), and revisit the issue later as an extension, or (2) leave the standard alone for now and make any changes only as part of considering the extension. A straw vote favored option (1) by a strong majority.

Additional Notes (September, 2006):

Recent discussion of this issue has emphasized the following points:

1. The concept of finding function pointers and function objects as part of argument-dependent lookup is not currently under active discussion in the Evolution Working Group.

2. The major area of concern with argument-dependent lookup is finding functions in unintended namespaces. There are current proposals to deal with this concern either by changing the definition of “associated namespace” so that fewer namespaces are considered or to provide a mechanism for enabling or disabling ADL altogether. Although this concern is conceptually distinct from the question of whether ADL finds function pointers and function objects, it is related in the sense that the current rules are perceived as finding too many functions (because of searching too many namespaces), and allowing function pointers and function objects would also increase the number of entities found by ADL.

3. Any expansion of ADL to include function pointers and function objects must necessarily update the overloading rules to specify how they interact with functions and function templates in the overload set. Current implementation experience (g++) is not helpful in making this decision because, although it performs a uniform lookup and finds non-function entities, it diagnoses an error in overload resolution if non-function entities are in the overload set.

4. There is a possible problem if types are found by ADL: it is not clear that overloading between callable entities (functions, function templates, function pointers, and function objects) and types (where the postfix syntax means a cast or construction of a temporary) is reasonable or useful.

James Widman:

There is a larger debate here about whether ADL should find object names; the proposed wording below is only intended to answer the request for wording to clarify the status quo (option 1 above) and not to suggest the outcome of the larger debate.

Proposed Resolution (October, 2006):

1. Replace the normative text in 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] paragraph 3 with the following (leaving the text of the note and example unchanged):

   Let X be the lookup set produced by unqualified lookup (3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual]) and let Y be the lookup set produced by argument dependent lookup (defined as follows). If X contains

   • a declaration of a class member, or
   • a block-scope function declaration that is not a using-declaration, or
   • a declaration that is neither a function nor a function template

   then Y is empty. Otherwise Y is the set of declarations found in the namespaces associated with the argument types as described below. The set of declarations found by the lookup of the name is the union of X and Y.

2. Change 3.4.1 [basic.lookup.unqual] paragraph 4 as indicated:

   When considering an associated namespace, the lookup is the same as the lookup performed when the associated namespace is used as a qualifier (3.4.3.2 [namespace.qual]) except that:

   • Any using-directives in the associated namespace are ignored.
   • Any namespace-scope friend functions or friend function templates declared in associated classes are visible within their respective namespaces even if they are not visible during an ordinary lookup (11.4 [class.friend]).
   • All names except those of (possibly overloaded) functions and function templates are ignored.

403. Reference to a type as a template-id

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

Spun off from issue 384.

3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] says:

If T is a template-id, its associated namespaces and classes are the namespace in which the template is defined; for member templates, the member template's class; the namespaces and classes associated with the types of the template arguments provided for template type parameters (excluding template template parameters); the namespaces in which any template template arguments are defined; and the classes in which any member templates used as template template arguments are defined. [Note: non-type template arguments do not contribute to the set of associated namespaces. ]

Proposed Resolution (October 2003):

In 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep], paragraph 2, bullet 8, replace

If T is a template-id ...

If T is a class template specialization ...

557. Does argument-dependent lookup cause template instantiation?

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

One might assume from 14.7.1 [temp.inst] paragraph 1 that argument-dependent lookup would require instantiation of any class template specializations used in argument types:

Unless a class template specialization has been explicitly instantiated (14.7.2 [temp.explicit]) or explicitly specialized (14.7.3 [temp.expl.spec]), the class template specialization is implicitly instantiated when the specialization is referenced in a context that requires a completely-defined object type or when the completeness of the class type affects the semantics of the program.

A complete class type is required to determine the associated classes and namespaces for the argument type (to determine the class's bases) and to determine the friend functions declared by the class, so the completeness of the class type certainly “affects the semantics of the program.”

This conclusion is reinforced by the second bullet of 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] paragraph 2:

• If T is a class type (including unions), its associated classes are: the class itself; the class of which it is a member, if any; and its direct and indirect base classes. Its associated namespaces are the namespaces in which its associated classes are defined.

A class template specialization is a class type, so the second bullet would appear to apply, requiring the specialization to be instantiated in order to determine its base classes.

However, bullet 8 of that paragraph deals explicitly with class template specializations:

• If T is a class template specialization its associated namespaces and classes are the namespace in which the template is defined; for member templates, the member template’s class; the namespaces and classes associated with the types of the template arguments provided for template type parameters (excluding template template parameters); the namespaces in which any template template arguments are defined; and the classes in which any member templates used as template template arguments are defined.

Note that the class template specialization itself is not listed as an associated class, unlike other class types, and there is no mention of base classes. If bullet 8 were intended as a supplement to the treatment of class types in bullet 2, one would expect phrasing along the lines of, “In addition to the associated namespaces and classes for all class types...” or some such; instead, bullet 8 reads like a self-contained and complete specification.

If argument-dependent lookup does not cause implicit instantiation, however, examples like the following fail:

    template <typename T> class C {
        friend void f(C<T>*) { }
    };
    void g(C<int>* p) {
        f(p);    // found by ADL??
    }

Implementations differ in whether this example works or not.

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

1. Change bullet 2 of 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] paragraph 2 as indicated:

   • If T is a class type (including unions), its associated classes are: the class itself; the class of which it is a member, if any; and its direct and indirect base classes. Its associated namespaces are the namespaces in of which its associated classes are defined members. Furthermore, if T is a class template specialization, its associated namespaces and classes also include: the namespaces and classes associated with the types of the template arguments provided for template type parameters (excluding template template parameters); the namespaces of which any template template arguments are members; and the classes of which any member templates used as template template arguments are members. [Note: Non-type template arguments do not contribute to the set of associated namespaces. —end note]

2. Delete bullet 8 of 3.4.2 [basic.lookup.argdep] paragraph 2:

   • If T is a class template specialization its associated namespaces and classes are the namespace in which the template is defined; for member templates, the member template’s class; the namespaces and classes associated with the types of the template arguments provided for template type parameters (excluding template template parameters); the namespaces in which any template template arguments are defined; and the classes in which any member templates used as template template arguments are defined. [Note: non-type template arguments do not contribute to the set of associated namespaces. —end note]

298. T::x when T is cv-qualified

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

Can a typedef T to a cv-qualified class type be used in a qualified name T::x?

    struct A { static int i; };
    typedef const A CA;
    int main () {
      CA::i = 0;  // Okay?
    }

Suggested answer: Yes. All the compilers I tried accept the test case.

Proposed resolution (10/01):

In 3.4.3.1 [class.qual] paragraph 1 add the indicated text:

If the nested-name-specifier of a qualified-id nominates a class, the name specified after the nested-name-specifier is looked up in the scope of the class (10.2 [class.member.lookup]), except for the cases listed below. The name shall represent one or more members of that class or of one of its base classes (clause 10 [class.derived]). If the class-or-namespace-name of the nested-name-specifier names a cv-qualified class type, it nominates the underlying class (the cv-qualifiers are ignored).

Notes from 4/02 meeting:

There is a problem in that class-or-namespace-name does not include typedef names for cv-qualified class types. See 7.1.3 [dcl.typedef] paragraph 4:

Argument and text removed from proposed resolution (October 2002):

7.1.3 [dcl.typedef] paragraph 5:

Here's a good question: in this example, should X be used as a name-for-linkage-purposes (FLP name)?

  typedef class { } const X;

Because a type-qualifier is parsed as a decl-specifier, it isn't possible to declare cv-qualified and cv-unqualified typedefs for a type in a single declaration. Also, of course, there's no way to declare a typedef for the cv-unqualified version of a type for which only a cv-qualified version has a name. So, in the above example, if X isn't used as the FLP name, then there can be no FLP name. Also note that a FLP name usually represents a parameter type, where top-level cv-qualifiers are usually irrelevant anyway.

Data points: for the above example, Microsoft uses X as the FLP name; GNU and EDG do not.

My recommendation: for consistency with the direction we're going on this issue, for simplicity of description (e.g., "the first class-name declared by the declaration"), and for (very slightly) increased utility, I think Microsoft has this right.

If the typedef declaration defines an unnamed class type (or enum type), the first typedef-name declared by the declaration to be have that class type (or enum type) or a cv-qualified version thereof is used to denote the class type (or enum type) for linkage purposes only (3.5 [basic.link]). [Example: ...

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

3.4.4 [basic.lookup.elab] paragraphs 2 and 3:

This sentence is deleted twice:

... If this name lookup finds a typedef-name, the elaborated-type-specifier is ill-formed. ...

Note that the above changes are included in N1376 as part of the resolution of issue 245.

5.1 [expr.prim] paragraph 7:

This is only a note, and it is at least incomplete (and quite possibly inaccurate), despite (or because of) its complexity. I propose to delete it.

... [Note: a typedef-name that names a class is a class-name (9.1 [class.name]). Except as the identifier in the declarator for a constructor or destructor definition outside of a class member-specification (12.1 [class.ctor], 12.4 [class.dtor]), a typedef-name that names a class may be used in a qualified-id to refer to a constructor or destructor. ]

7.1.3 [dcl.typedef] paragraph 4:

My first choice would have been to make this the primary statement about the equivalence of typedef-name and class-name, since the equivalence comes about as a result of a typedef declaration. Unfortunately, references to class-name point to 9.1 [class.name], so it would seem that the primary statement should be there instead. To avoid the possiblity of conflicts in the future, I propose to make this a note.

[Note: A typedef-name that names a class type, or a cv-qualified version thereof, is also a class-name (9.1 [class.name]). If a typedef-name is used following the class-key in an elaborated-type-specifier (7.1.6.3 [dcl.type.elab]), or in the class-head of a class declaration (9 [class]), or is used as the identifier in the declarator for a constructor or destructor declaration (12.1 [class.ctor], 12.4 [class.dtor]), to identify the subject of an elaborated-type-specifier (7.1.6.3 [dcl.type.elab]), class declaration (clause 9 [class]), constructor declaration (12.1 [class.ctor]), or destructor declaration (12.4 [class.dtor]), the program is ill-formed. ] [Example: ...

7.1.6.3 [dcl.type.elab] paragraph 2:

This is the only remaining (normative) statement that a typedef-name can't be used in an elaborated-type-specifier. The reference to template type-parameter is deleted by the resolution of issue 283.

... If the identifier resolves to a typedef-name or a template type-parameter, the elaborated-type-specifier is ill-formed. [Note: ...

8 [dcl.decl] grammar rule declarator-id:

When I looked carefully into the statement of the rule prohibiting a typedef-name in a constructor declaration, it appeared to me that this grammar rule (inadvertently?) allows something that's always forbidden semantically.

declarator-id:
id-expression
::_opt nested-name-specifier_opt type-name class-name

9.1 [class.name] paragraph 5:

Unlike the prohibitions against appearing in an elaborated-type-specifier or constructor or destructor declarator, each of which was expressed more than once, the prohibition against a typedef-name appearing in a class-head was previously stated only in 7.1.3 [dcl.typedef]. It seems to me that that prohibition belongs here instead. Also, it seems to me important to clarify that a typedef-name that is a class-name is still a typedef-name. Otherwise, the various prohibitions can be argued around easily, if perversely ("But that isn't a typedef-name, it's a class-name; it says so right there in 9.1 [class.name].")

A typedef-name (7.1.3 [dcl.typedef]) that names a class type or a cv-qualified version thereof is also a class-name, but shall not be used in an elaborated-type-specifier; see also 7.1.3 [dcl.typedef]. as the identifier in a class-head.

12.1 [class.ctor] paragraph 3:

The new nonterminal references are needed to really nail down what we're talking about here. Otherwise, I'm just eliminating redundancy. (A typedef-name that doesn't name a class type is no more valid here than one that does.)

A typedef-name that names a class is a class-name (7.1.3 [dcl.typedef]); however, a A typedef-name that names a class shall not be used as the identifier class-name in the declarator declarator-id for a constructor declaration.

12.4 [class.dtor] paragraph 1:

The same comments apply here as to 12.1 [class.ctor].

... A typedef-name that names a class is a class-name (7.1.3); however, a A typedef-name that names a class shall not be used as the identifier class-name following the ~ in the declarator for a destructor declaration.

318. struct A::A should not name the constructor of A

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

A use of an injected-class-name in an elaborated-type-specifier should not name the constructor of the class, but rather the class itself, because in that context we know that we're looking for a type. See issue 147.

Proposed Resolution (revised October 2002):

This clarifies the changes made in the TC for issue 147.

In 3.4.3.1 [class.qual] paragraph 1a replace:

If the nested-name-specifier nominates a class C, and the name specified after the nested-name-specifier, when looked up in C, is the injected class name of C (clause 9 [class]), the name is instead considered to name the constructor of class C.

with

In a lookup in which the constructor is an acceptable lookup result, if the nested-name-specifier nominates a class C and the name specified after the nested-name-specifier, when looked up in C, is the injected class name of C (clause 9 [class]), the name is instead considered to name the constructor of class C. [Note: For example, the constructor is not an acceptable lookup result in an elaborated type specifier so the constructor would not be used in place of the injected class name.]

Note that issue 263 updates a part of the same paragraph.

Append to the example:

  struct A::A a2;  // object of type A

400. Using-declarations and the "struct hack"

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

Consider this code:

  struct A { int i; struct i {}; };
  struct B { int i; struct i {}; };
  struct D : public A, public B { using A::i; void f (); };
  void D::f () { struct i x; }

I can't find anything in the standard that says definitively what this means. 7.3.3 [namespace.udecl] says that a using-declaration shall name "a member of a base class" -- but here we have two members, the data member A::i and the class A::i.

Personally, I'd find it more attractive if this code did not work. I'd like "using A::i" to mean "lookup A::i in the usual way and bind B::i to that", which would mean that while "i = 3" would be valid in D::f, "struct i x" would not be. However, if there were no A::i data member, then "A::i" would find the struct and the code in D::f would be valid.

John Spicer: I agree with you, but unfortunately the standard committee did not.

I remembered that this was discussed by the committee and that a resolution was adopted that was different than what I hoped for, but I had a hard time finding definitive wording in the standard.

I went back though my records and found the paper that proposed a resolution and the associated committee motion that adopted the proposed resolution The paper is N0905, and "option 1" from that paper was adopted at the Stockholm meeting in July of 1996. The resolution is that "using A::i" brings in everything named i from A.

3.4.3.2 [namespace.qual] paragraph 2 was modified to implement this resolution, but interestingly that only covers the namespace case and not the class case. I think the class case was overlooked when the wording was drafted. A core issue should be opened to make sure the class case is handled properly.

Notes from April 2003 meeting:

This is related to issue 11. 7.3.3 [namespace.udecl] paragraph 10 has an example for namespaces.

Proposed resolution (October 2003):

Add a bullet to the end of 3.4.3.1 [class.qual] paragraph 1:

• the lookup for a name specified in a using-declaration (7.3.3 [namespace.udecl]) also finds class or enumeration names hidden within the same scope (3.3.8 [basic.scope.hiding]).

Change the beginning of 7.3.3 [namespace.udecl] paragraph 4 from

A using-declaration used as a member-declaration shall refer to a member of a base class of the class being defined, shall refer to a member of an anonymous union that is a member of a base class of the class being defined, or shall refer to an enumerator for an enumeration type that is a member of a base class of the class being defined.

to

In a using-declaration used as a member-declaration, the nested-name-specifier shall name a base class of the class being defined. Such a using-declaration introduces the set of declarations found by member name lookup (10.2 [class.member.lookup], 3.4.3.1 [class.qual]).

245. Name lookup in elaborated-type-specifiers

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

I have some concerns with the description of name lookup for elaborated type specifiers in 3.4.4 [basic.lookup.elab]:

1. Paragraph 2 has some parodoxical statements concerning looking up names that are simple identifers:

   If the elaborated-type-specifier refers to an enum-name and this lookup does not find a previously declared enum-name, the elaborated-type-specifier is ill-formed. If the elaborated-type-specifier refers to an [sic] class-name and this lookup does not find a previously declared class-name... the elaborated-type-specifier is a declaration that introduces the class-name as described in 3.3.1 [basic.scope.pdecl]."

   It is not clear how an elaborated-type-specifier can refer to an enum-name or class-name given that the lookup does not find such a name and that class-name and enum-name are not part of the syntax of an elaborated-type-specifier.

2. The second sentence quoted above seems to suggest that the name found will not be used if it is not a class name. typedef-name names are ill-formed due to the sentence preceding the quote. If lookup finds, for instance, an enum-name then a new declaration will be created. This differs from C, and from the enum case, and can have surprising effects:

       struct S {
          enum E {
              one = 1
          };
          class E* p;     // declares a global class E?
       };
   

   Was this really the intent? If this is the case then some more work is needed on 3.4.4 [basic.lookup.elab]. Note that the section does not make finding a type template formal ill-formed, as is done in 7.1.6.3 [dcl.type.elab]. I don't see anything that makes a type template formal name a class-name. So the example in 7.1.6.3 [dcl.type.elab] of friend class T; where T is a template type formal would no longer be ill-formed with this interpretation because it would declare a new class T.

(See also issue 254.)

Notes from the 4/02 meeting:

This will be consolidated with the changes for issue 254. See also issue 298.

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

As given in N1376=02-0034. Note that the inserts and strikeouts in that document do not display correctly in all browsers; <del> --> <strike> and <ins> --> <b>, and the similar changes for the closing delimiters, seem to do the trick.

254. Definitional problems with elaborated-type-specifiers

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

1. The text in 3.4.4 [basic.lookup.elab] paragraph 2 twice refers to the possibility that an elaborated-type-specifier might have the form

           class-key identifier ;
   

   However, the grammar for elaborated-type-specifier does not include a semicolon.

2. In both 3.4.4 [basic.lookup.elab] and 7.1.6.3 [dcl.type.elab], the text asserts that an elaborated-type-specifier that refers to a typedef-name is ill-formed. However, it is permissible for the form of elaborated-type-specifier that begins with typename to refer to a typedef-name.

   This problem is the result of adding the typename form to the elaborated-type-name grammar without changing the verbiage correspondingly. It could be fixed either by updating the verbiage or by moving the typename syntax into its own production and referring to both nonterminals when needed.

(See also issue 180. If this issue is resolved in favor of a separate nonterminal in the grammar for the typename forms, the wording in that issue's resolution must be changed accordingly.)

Notes from 04/01 meeting:

The consensus was in favor of moving the typename forms out of the elaborated-type-specifier grammar.

Notes from the 4/02 meeting:

This will be consolidated with the changes for issue 245.

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

As given in N1376=02-0034.

305. Name lookup in destructor call

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

I believe this program is invalid:

    struct A {
    };

    struct C {
      struct A {};
      void f ();
    };

    void C::f () {
      ::A *a;
      a->~A ();
    }

The EDG front end does not issue an error about this program, though.

Am I reading the standardese incorrectly?

John Spicer: I think you are reading it correctly. I think I've been hoping that this would get changed. Unlike other dual lookup contexts, this is one in which the compiler already knows the right answer (the type must match that of the left hand of the -> operator). So I think that if either of the types found matches the one required, it should be sufficient. You can't say a->~::A(), which means you are forced to say a->::A::~A(), which disables the virtual mechanism. So you would have to do something like create a local typedef for the desired type.

See also issues 244, 399, and 466.

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

1. Remove the indicated text from 3.4.5 [basic.lookup.classref] paragraph 2:

   If the id-expression in a class member access (5.2.5 [expr.ref]) is an unqualified-id, and the type of the object expression is of a class type C (or of pointer to a class type C), the unqualified-id is looked up in the scope of class C...

2. Change 3.4.5 [basic.lookup.classref] paragraph 3 as indicated:

   If the unqualified-id is ~type-name, the type-name is looked up in the context of the entire postfix-expression. and If the type T of the object expression is of a class type C (or of pointer to a class type C), the type-name is also looked up in the context of the entire postfix-expression and in the scope of class C. The type-name shall refer to a class-name. If type-name is found in both contexts, the name shall refer to the same class type. If the type of the object expression is of scalar type, the type-name is looked up in the scope of the complete postfix-expression. At least one of the lookups shall find a name that refers to (possibly cv-qualified) T. [Example:

       struct A { };
   
       struct B {
         struct A { };
         void f(::A* a);
       };
   
       void B::f(::A* a) {
         a->~A();  // OK, lookup in *a finds the injected-class-name
       }
   

   —end example]

[Note: this change also resolves issue 414.]

381. Incorrect example of base class member lookup

[Voted into WP at October 2004 meeting.]

The example in 3.4.5 [basic.lookup.classref] paragraph 4 is wrong (see 11.2 [class.access.base] paragraph 5; the cast to the naming class can't be done) and needs to be corrected. This was noted when the final version of the algorithm for issue 39 was checked against it.

Proposed Resolution (October 2003):

Remove the entire note at the end of 3.4.5 [basic.lookup.classref] paragraph 4, including the entire example.

414. Multiple types found on destructor lookup

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

By 3.4.5 [basic.lookup.classref] paragraph 3, the following is ill-formed because the two lookups of the destructor name (in the scope of the class of the object and in the surrounding context) find different Xs:

  struct X {};
  int main() {
    X x;
    struct X {};
    x.~X();  // Error?
  }

This is silly, because the compiler knows what the type has to be, and one of the things found matches that. The lookup should require only that one of the lookups finds the required class type.

Proposed resolution (April, 2005):

This issue is resolved by the resolution of issue 305.

216. Linkage of nameless class-scope enumeration types

[Moved to DR at 10/01 meeting.]

A name having namespace scope has external linkage if it is the name of

• [...]
• a named enumeration (7.2 [dcl.enum]), or an unnamed enumeration defined in a typedef declaration in which the enumeration has the typedef name for linkage purposes (7.1.3 [dcl.typedef])

    typedef enum { e1 } *PE;
    void f(PE) {}  // Cannot declare a function (with linkage) using a 
		   // type with no linkage.

However, the same prohibition was not made for class scope types. Indeed, 3.5 [basic.link] paragraph 5 says:

In addition, a member function, static data member, class or enumeration of class scope has external linkage if the name of the class has external linkage.

That allows for:

    struct S {
       typedef enum { e1 } *MPE;
       void mf(MPE) {}
    };

My guess is that this is an unintentional consequence of 3.5 [basic.link] paragraph 5, but I would like confirmation on that.

Proposed resolution:

Change text in 3.5 [basic.link] paragraph 5 from:

In addition, a member function, static data member, class or enumeration of class scope has external linkage if the name of the class has external linkage.

In addition, a member function, a static data member, a named class or enumeration of class scope, or an unnamed class or enumeration defined in a class-scope typedef declaration such that the class or enumeration has the typedef name for linkage purposes (7.1.3 [dcl.typedef]), has external linkage if the name of the class has external linkage.

319. Use of names without linkage in declaring entities with linkage

[Voted into WP at October 2004 meeting.]

According to 3.5 [basic.link] paragraph 8, "A name with no linkage ... shall not be used to declare an entity with linkage." This would appear to rule out code such as:

  typedef struct {
    int i;
  } *PT;
  extern "C" void f(PT);

  static enum { a } e;

See issue 132, which dealt with a closely related issue.

Andrei Iltchenko submitted the same issue via comp.std.c++ on 17 Dec 2001:

Paragraph 8 of Section 3.5 [basic.link] contains the following sentences: "A name with no linkage shall not be used to declare an entity with linkage. If a declaration uses a typedef name, it is the linkage of the type name to which the typedef refers that is considered."

The problem with this wording is that it doesn't cover cases where the type to which a typedef-name refers has no name. As a result it's not clear whether, for example, the following program is well-formed:

#include <vector>

int  main()
{
   enum  {   sz = 6u   };
   typedef int  (* aptr_type)[sz];
   typedef struct  data  {
      int   i,  j;
   }  * elem_type;
   std::vector<aptr_type>   vec1;
   std::vector<elem_type>   vec2;
}

Suggested resolution:

My feeling is that the rules for whether or not a typedef-name used in a declaration shall be treated as having or not having linkage ought to be modelled after those for dependent types, which are explained in 14.6.2.1 [temp.dep.type].

Add the following text at the end of Paragraph 8 of Section 3.5 [basic.link] and replace the following example:

In case of the type referred to by a typedef declaration not having a name, the newly declared typedef-name has linkage if and only if its referred type comprises no names of no linkage excluding local names that are eligible for appearance in an integral constant-expression (5.19 [expr.const]). [Note: if the referred type contains a typedef-name that does not denote an unnamed class, the linkage of that name is established by the recursive application of this rule for the purposes of using typedef names in declarations.] [Example:

  void f()
  {
     struct A { int x; };        // no linkage
     extern A a;                 // ill-formed
     typedef A Bl
     extern B b;                 // ill-formed

     enum  {   sz = 6u   };
     typedef int  (* C)[sz];     // C has linkage because sz can
                                 // appear in a constant expression
  }

--end example.]

Additional issue (13 Jan 2002, from Andrei Iltchenko):

Paragraph 2 of Section 14.3.1 [temp.arg.type] is inaccurate and unnecessarily prohibits a few important cases; it says "A local type, a type with no linkage, an unnamed type or a type compounded from any of these types shall not be used as a template-argument for a template-parameter." The inaccuracy stems from the fact that it is not a type but its name that can have a linkage.

For example based on the current wording of 14.3.1 [temp.arg.type], the following example is ill-formed.

  #include <vector>
  struct  data  {
    int   i,  j;
  };
  int  main()
  {
    enum  {   sz = 6u   };
    std::vector<int(*)[sz]>   vec1; // The types 'int(*)[sz]' and 'data*'
    std::vector<data*>        vec2; // have no names and are thus illegal
                                    // as template type arguments.
  }

Suggested resolution:

Replace the whole second paragraph of Section 14.3.1 [temp.arg.type] with the following wording:

A type whose name does not have a linkage or a type compounded from any such type shall not be used as a template-argument for a template-parameter. In case of a type T used as a template type argument not having a name, T constitutes a valid template type argument if and only if the name of an invented typedef declaration referring to T would have linkage; see 3.5. [Example:

  template <class T> class X { /* ... */ };
  void f()
  {
    struct S { /* ... */ };
    enum  {   sz = 6u   };

    X<S> x3;                     // error: a type name with no linkage
                                 // used as template-argument
    X<S*> x4;                    // error: pointer to a type name with
                                 // no linkage used as template-argument
    X<int(*)[sz]> x5;            // OK: since the name of typedef int
                                 // (*pname)[sz] would have linkage
  }

--end example] [Note: a template type argument may be an incomplete type (3.9 [basic.types]).]

Proposed resolution:

This is resolved by the changes for issue 389. The present issue was moved back to Review status in February 2004 because 389 was moved back to Review.

389. Unnamed types in entities with linkage

[Voted into WP at October 2004 meeting.]

3.5 [basic.link] paragraph 8 says (among other things):

A name with no linkage (notably, the name of a class or enumeration declared in a local scope (3.3.2 [basic.scope.local])) shall not be used to declare an entity with linkage. If a declaration uses a typedef name, it is the linkage of the type name to which the typedef refers that is considered.

I would expect this to catch situations such as the following:

  // File 1:
  typedef struct {} *UP;
  void f(UP) {}

  // File 2:
  typedef struct {} *UP; // Or: typedef struct {} U, *UP;
  void f(UP);

The problem here is that most implementations must generate the same mangled name for "f" in two translation units. The quote from the standard above isn't quite clear, unfortunately: There is no type name to which the typedef refers.

A related situation is the following:

  enum { no, yes } answer;

Finally, these problems are much less relevant when declaring names with internal linkage. For example, I would expect there to be few problems with:

  typedef struct {} *UP;
  static void g(UP);

I recently tried to interpret 3.5 [basic.link] paragraph 8 with the assumption that types with no names have no linkage. Surprisingly, this resulted in many diagnostics on variable declarations (mostly like "answer" above).

I'm pretty sure the standard needs clarifying words in this matter, but which way should it go?

See also issue 319.

Notes from April 2003 meeting:

There was agreement that this check is not needed for variables and functions with extern "C" linkage, and a change there is desirable to allow use of legacy C headers. The check is also not needed for entities with internal linkage, but there was no strong sentiment for changing that case.

We also considered relaxing this requirement for extern "C++" variables but decided that we did not want to change that case.

We noted that if extern "C" functions are allowed an additional check is needed when such functions are used as arguments in calls of function templates. Deduction will put the type of the extern "C" function into the type of the template instance, i.e., there would be a need to mangle the name of an unnamed type. To plug that hole we need an additional requirement on the template created in such a case.

Proposed resolution (April 2003, revised slightly October 2003 and March 2004):

In 3.5 [basic.link] paragraph 8, change

A name with no linkage (notably, the name of a class or enumeration declared in a local scope (3.3.2 [basic.scope.local])) shall not be used to declare an entity with linkage. If a declaration uses a typedef name, it is the linkage of the type name to which the typedef refers that is considered.

to

A type is said to have linkage if and only if

• it is a class or enumeration type that is named (or has a name for linkage purposes (7.1.3 [dcl.typedef])) and the name has linkage; or
• it is a specialization of a class template (14 [temp]) [Footnote: a class template always has external linkage, and the requirements of 14.3.1 [temp.arg.type] and 14.3.2 [temp.arg.nontype] ensure that the template arguments will also have appropriate linkage]; or
• it is a fundamental type (3.9.1 [basic.fundamental]); or
• it is a compound type (3.9.2 [basic.compound]) other than a class or enumeration, compounded exclusively from types that have linkage; or
• it is a cv-qualified (3.9.3 [basic.type.qualifier]) version of a type that has linkage.

A type without linkage shall not be used as the type of a variable or function with linkage, unless the variable or function has extern "C" linkage (7.5 [dcl.link]). [Note: in other words, a type without linkage contains a class or enumeration that cannot be named outside of its translation unit. An entity with external linkage declared using such a type could not correspond to any other entity in another translation unit of the program and is thus not permitted. Also note that classes with linkage may contain members whose types do not have linkage, and that typedef names are ignored in the determination of whether a type has linkage.]

Change 14.3.1 [temp.arg.type] paragraph 2 from (note: this is the wording as updated by issue 62)

The following types shall not be used as a template-argument for a template type-parameter:

• a type whose name has no linkage
• an unnamed class or enumeration type that has no name for linkage purposes (7.1.3 [dcl.typedef])
• a cv-qualified version of one of the types in this list
• a type created by application of declarator operators to one of the types in this list
• a function type that uses one of the types in this list

to

A type without linkage (3.5 [basic.link]) shall not be used as a template-argument for a template type-parameter.

Once this issue is ready, issue 319 should be moved back to ready as well.

474. Block-scope extern declarations in namespace members

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

Consider the following bit of code:

    namespace N {
      struct S {
        void f();
      };
    }
    using namespace N;
    void S::f() {
      extern void g();  // ::g or N::g?
    }

In 3.5 [basic.link] paragraph 7 the Standard says (among other things),

When a block scope declaration of an entity with linkage is not found to refer to some other declaration, then that entity is a member of the innermost enclosing namespace.

The question then is whether N is an “enclosing namespace” for the local declaration of g()?

Proposed resolution (October 2004):

Add the following text as a new paragraph at the end of 7.3.1 [namespace.def]:

The enclosing namespaces of a declaration are those namespaces in which the declaration lexically appears, except for a redeclaration of a namespace member outside its original namespace (e.g., a definition as specified in 7.3.1.2 [namespace.memdef]). Such a redeclaration has the same enclosing namespaces as the original declaration. [Example:

  namespace Q {
    namespace V {
      void f(); // enclosing namespaces are the global namespace, Q, and Q::V
      class C { void m(); };
    }
    void V::f() { // enclosing namespaces are the global namespace, Q, and Q::V
      extern void h(); // ... so this declares Q::V::h
    }
    void V::C::m() { // enclosing namespaces are the global namespace, Q, and Q::V
    }
  }

—end example]

270. Order of initialization of static data members of class templates

[Moved to DR at 4/02 meeting.]

The Standard does not appear to address how the rules for order of initialization apply to static data members of class templates.

Suggested resolution: Add the following verbiage to either 3.6.2 [basic.start.init] or 9.4.2 [class.static.data]:

Initialization of static data members of class templates shall be performed during the initialization of static data members for the first translation unit to have static initialization performed for which the template member has been instantiated. This requirement shall apply to both the static and dynamic phases of initialization.

Notes from 04/01 meeting:

Enforcing an order of initialization on static data members of class templates will result in substantial overhead on access to such variables. The problem is that the initialization be required as the result of instantiation in a function used in the initialization of a variable in another translation unit. In current systems, the order of initialization of static data data members of class templates is not predictable. The proposed resolution is to state that the order of initialization is undefined.

Proposed resolution (04/01, updated slightly 10/01):

Replace the following sentence in 3.6.2 [basic.start.init] paragraph 1:

Objects with static storage duration defined in namespace scope in the same translation unit and dynamically initialized shall be initialized in the order in which their definition appears in the translation unit.

with

Dynamic initialization of an object is either ordered or unordered. Explicit specializations and definitions of class template static data members have ordered initialization. Other class template static data member instances have unordered initialization. Other objects defined in namespace scope have ordered initialization. Objects defined within a single translation unit and with ordered initialization shall be initialized in the order of their definitions in the translation unit. The order of initialization is unspecified for objects with unordered initialization and for objects defined in different translation units.

Note that this wording is further updated by issue 362.

Note (07/01):

Brian McNamara argues against the proposed resolution. The following excerpt captures the central point of a long message on comp.std.c++:

I have a class for representing linked lists which looks something like

    template <class T>
    class List {
       ...  static List<T>* sentinel; ...
    };
 
    template <class T>
    List<T>* List<T>::sentinel( new List<T> ); // static member definition

The sentinel list node is used to represent "nil" (the null pointer cannot be used with my implementation, for reasons which are immaterial to this discussion). All of the List's non-static member functions and constructors depend upon the value of the sentinel. Under the proposed resolution for issue #270, Lists cannot be safely instantiated before main() begins, as the sentinel's initialization is "unordered".

(Some readers may propose that I should use the "singleton pattern" in the List class. This is undesirable, for reasons I shall describe at the end of this post at the location marked "[*]". For the moment, indulge me by assuming that "singleton" is not an adequate solution.)

Though this is a particular example from my own experience, I believe it is representative of a general class of examples. It is common to use static data members of a class to represent the "distinguished values" which are important to instances of that class. It is imperative that these values be initialized before any instances of the class are created, as the instances depend on the values.

In a comp.std.c++ posting on 28 Jul 2001, Brian McNamara proposes the following alternative resolution:

Replace the following sentence in 3.6.2 [basic.start.init] paragraph 1:

Objects with static storage duration defined in namespace scope in the same translation unit and dynamically initialized shall be initialized in the order in which their definition appears in the translation unit.

Objects with static storage duration defined in namespace scope shall be initialized in the order described below.

Dynamic initialization is either ordered or quasi-ordered. Explicit specializations of class template static data members have ordered initialization. Other class template static data member instances have quasi-ordered initialization. All other objects defined in namespace scope have ordered initialization. The order of initialization is specified as follows:

• Objects that are defined within a single translation unit and that have ordered initialization shall be initialized in the order of their definitions in the translation unit.
• Objects that are defined only within a single translation unit and that have quasi-ordered initialization shall also be initialized in the order of their definitions in the translation unit -- that is, as though these objects had ordered initialization.
• Objects that are defined within multiple translation units (which, therefore, must have quasi-ordered initialization) shall be initialized as follows: in exactly one translation unit (which one is unspecified), the object shall be treated as though it has ordered initialization; in the other translation units which define the object, the object will be initialized before all other objects that have ordered initialization in those translation units.
• For any two objects, "X" and "Y", with static storage duration and defined in namespace scope, if the previous bullets do not imply a relationship for the initialization ordering between "X" and "Y", then the relative initialization order of these objects is unspecified.

[ Note: The intention is that translation units can each be compiled separately with no knowledge of what objects may be re-defined in other translation units. Each translation unit can contain a method which initializes all objects (both quasi-ordered and ordered) as though they were ordered. When these translation units are linked together to create an executable program, all of these objects can be initialized by simply calling the initialization methods (one from each translation unit) in any order. Quasi-ordered objects require some kind of guard to ensure that they are not initialized more than once (the first attempt to initialize such an object should succeed; any subsequent attempts should simply be ignored). ]

Erwin Unruh replies: There is a point which is not mentioned with this posting. It is the cost for implementing the scheme. It requires that each static template variable is instantiated in ALL translation units where it is used. There has to be a flag for each of these variables and this flag has to be checked in each TU where the instantiation took place.

I would reject this idea and stand with the proposed resolution of issue 270.

There just is no portable way to ensure the "right" ordering of construction.

Notes from 10/01 meeting:

The Core Working Group reaffirmed its previous decision.

441. Ordering of static reference initialization

[Voted into WP at April 2005 meeting.]

I have a couple of questions about 3.6.2 [basic.start.init], "Initialization of non-local objects." I believe I recall some discussion of related topics, but I can't find anything relevant in the issues list.

The first question arose when I discovered that different implementations treat reference initialization differently. Consider, for example, the following (namespace-scope) code:

  int i;
  int& ir = i;
  int* ip = &i;

Zero-initialization and initialization with a constant expression are collectively called static initialization; all other initialization is dynamic initialization.

However, that does not mean that both ir and ip must be initialized at the same time:

Objects of POD types (3.9) with static storage duration initialized with constant expressions (5.19) shall be initialized before any dynamic initialization takes place.

Because "int&" is not a POD type, there is no requirement that it be initialized before dynamic initialization is performed, and implementations differ in this regard. Using a function called during dynamic initialization to print the values of "ip" and "&ir", I found that g++, Sun, HP, and Intel compilers initialize ir before dynamic initialization and the Microsoft compiler does not. All initialize ip before dynamic initialization. I believe this is conforming (albeit inconvenient :-) behavior.

So, my first question is whether it is intentional that a reference of static duration, initialized with a reference constant expression, need not be initialized before dynamic initialization takes place, and if so, why?

The second question is somewhat broader. As 3.6.2 [basic.start.init] is currently worded, it appears that there are no requirements on when ir is initialized. In fact, there is a whole category of objects -- non-POD objects initialized with a constant expression -- for which no ordering is specified. Because they are categorized as part of "static initialization," they are not subject to the requirement that they "shall be initialized in the order in which their definition appears in the translation unit." Because they are not POD types, they are not required to be initialized before dynamic initialization occurs. Am I reading this right?

My preference would be to change 3.6.2 [basic.start.init] paragraph 1 so that 1) references are treated like POD objects with respect to initialization, and 2) "static initialization" applies only to POD objects and references. Here's some sample wording to illustrate:

Suggested resolution:

Objects with static storage duration (3.7.1) shall be zero-initialized (8.5) before any other initialization takes place. Initializing a reference, or an object of POD type, of static storage duration with a constant expression (5.19) is called constant initialization. Together, zero-initialization and constant initialization are called static initialization; all other initialization is dynamic initialization. Static initialization shall be performed before any dynamic initialization takes place. [Remainder unchanged.]

Proposed Resolution:

Change 3.6.2 [basic.start.init] paragraph 1 as follows:

Objects with static storage duration (3.7.1) shall be zero-initialized (8.5) before any other initialization takes place. Initializing a reference, or an object of POD type, of static storage duration with a constant expression (5.19) is called constant initialization. Together, zero-initialization and constant initialization are Zero-initialization and initialization with a constant expression are collectively called static initialization; all other initialization is dynamic initialization. Static initialization shall be performed Objects of POD types (3.9) with static storage duration initialized with constant expressions (5.19) shall be initialized before any dynamic initialization takes place.

521. Requirements for exceptions thrown by allocation functions

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

According to 3.7.3.1 [basic.stc.dynamic.allocation] paragraph 3,

Any other allocation function that fails to allocate storage shall only indicate failure by throwing an exception of class std::bad_alloc (18.5.2.1 [bad.alloc]) or a class derived from std::bad_alloc.

Shouldn't this statement have the usual requirements for an unambiguous and accessible base class?

Proposed resolution (April, 2006):

Change the last sentence of 3.7.3.1 [basic.stc.dynamic.allocation] paragraph 3 as indicated:

Any other allocation function that fails to allocate storage shall only indicate failure only by throwing an exception of class std::bad_alloc (18.5.2.1 [bad.alloc]) or a class derived from std::bad_alloc a type that would match a handler (15.3 [except.handle]) of type std::bad_alloc (18.5.2.1 [bad.alloc]).

348. delete and user-written deallocation functions

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

Standard is clear on behaviour of default allocation/deallocation functions. However, it is surpisingly vague on requirements to the behaviour of user-defined deallocation function and an interaction between delete-expression and deallocation function. This caused a heated argument on fido7.su.c-cpp newsgroup.

Resume:

It is not clear if user-supplied deallocation function is called from delete-expr when the operand of delete-expr is the null pointer (5.3.5 [expr.delete]). If it is, standard does not specify what user-supplied deallocation function shall do with the null pointer operand (18.5.1 [new.delete]). Instead, Standard uses the term "has no effect", which meaning is too vague in context given (5.3.5 [expr.delete]).

Description:

Consider statements

   char* p= 0; //result of failed non-throwing ::new char[]
   ::delete[] p;

Standard does NOT specify whether user-defined deallocation function should be called in this case, or not.

Specifically, standard says in 5.3.5 [expr.delete] paragraph 2:

...if the value of the operand of delete is the null pointer the operation has no effect.

Furthermore, in para 4 standard says on default deallocation function:

If the delete-expression calls the implementation deallocation function (3.7.3.2 [basic.stc.dynamic.deallocation]), if the operand of the delete expression is not the null pointer constant, ...

If "has no effect" is a requirement to the deallocation function, then it should be stated in 3.7.3.2 [basic.stc.dynamic.deallocation], or in 18.5.1.1 [new.delete.single] and 18.5.1.2 [new.delete.array], and it should be stated explicitly.

Furthermore, standard does NOT specify what actions shall be performed by user-supplied deallocation function if NULL is given (18.5.1.1 [new.delete.single] paragraph 12):

Required behaviour: accept a value of ptr that is null or that was returned by an earlier call to the default operator new(std::size_t) or operator new(std::size_t, const std::nothrow_t&).

The same corresponds to ::delete[] case.

Expected solution:

1. Make it clear that delete-expr will not call deallocation function if null pointer is given (in 5.3.5 [expr.delete]).
2. Specify what user deallocation function shall do when null is given (either in 3.7.3.2 [basic.stc.dynamic.deallocation], or in 18.5.1.1 [new.delete.single], and 18.5.1.2 [new.delete.array]).

Notes from October 2002 meeting:

We believe that study of 18.5.1.1 [new.delete.single] paragraphs 12 and 13, 18.5.1.2 [new.delete.array] paragraphs 11 and 12, and 3.7.3.2 [basic.stc.dynamic.deallocation] paragraph 3 shows that the system-provided operator delete functions must accept a null pointer and ignore it. Those sections also show that a user-written replacement for the system-provided operator delete functions must accept a null pointer. There is no requirement that such functions ignore a null pointer, which is okay -- perhaps the reason for replacing the system-provided functions is to do something special with null pointer values (e.g., log such calls and return).

We believe that the standard should not require an implementation to call a delete function with a null pointer, but it must allow that. For the system-provided delete functions or replacements thereof, the standard already makes it clear that the delete function must accept a null pointer. For class-specific delete functions, we believe the standard should require that such functions accept a null pointer, though it should not mandate what they do with null pointers.

5.3.5 [expr.delete] needs to be updated to say that it is unspecified whether or not the operator delete function is called with a null pointer, and 3.7.3.2 [basic.stc.dynamic.deallocation] needs to be updated to say that any deallocation function must accept a null pointer.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

1. Change 5.3.5 [expr.delete] paragraph 2 as indicated:

   If the operand has a class type, the operand is converted to a pointer type by calling the above-mentioned conversion function, and the converted operand is used in place of the original operand for the remainder of this section. In either alternative, if the value of the operand of delete is the null pointer the operation has no effect may be a null pointer value. If it is not a null pointer value, in In the first alternative (delete object), the value of the operand of delete shall be a pointer to a non-array object or a pointer to a sub-object (1.8 [intro.object]) representing a base class of such an object (clause 10 [class.derived])...

2. Change 5.3.5 [expr.delete] paragraph 4 as follows (note that the old wording reflects the changes proposed by issue 442:

   The cast-expression in a delete-expression shall be evaluated exactly once. If the delete-expression calls the implementation deallocation function (3.7.3.2 [basic.stc.dynamic.deallocation]), and if the value of the operand of the delete expression is not a null pointer, the deallocation function will deallocate the storage referenced by the pointer thus rendering the pointer invalid. [Note: the value of a pointer that refers to deallocated storage is indeterminate. —end note]

3. Change 5.3.5 [expr.delete] paragraphs 6-7 as follows:

   The If the value of the operand of the delete-expression is not a null pointer value, the delete-expression will invoke the destructor (if any) for the object or the elements of the array being deleted. In the case of an array, the elements will be destroyed in order of decreasing address (that is, in reverse order of the completion of their constructor; see 12.6.2 [class.base.init]).

   The If the value of the operand of the delete-expression is not a null pointer value, the delete-expression will call a deallocation function (3.7.3.2 [basic.stc.dynamic.deallocation]). Otherwise, it is unspecified whether the deallocation function will be called. [Note: The deallocation function is called regardless of whether the destructor for the object or some element of the array throws an exception. —end note]

4. Change 3.7.3.2 [basic.stc.dynamic.deallocation] paragraph 3 as indicated:

   The value of the first argument supplied to one of the a deallocation functions provided in the standard library may be a null pointer value; if so, and if the deallocation function is one supplied in the standard library, the call to the deallocation function has no effect. Otherwise, the value supplied to operator delete(void*) in the standard library shall be one of the values returned by a previous invocation of either operator new(std::size_t) or operator new(std::size_t, const std::nothrow_t&) in the standard library, and the value supplied to operator delete[](void*) in the standard library shall be one of the values returned by a previous invocation of either operator new[](std::size_t) or operator new[](std::size_t, const std::nothrow_t&) in the standard library.

[Note: this resolution also resolves issue 442.]

119. Object lifetime and aggregate initialization

[Moved to DR at 4/02 meeting.]

Jack Rouse: 3.8 [basic.life] paragraph 1 includes:

The lifetime of an object is a runtime property of the object. The lifetime of an object of type T begins when:

• storage with the proper alignment and size for type T is obtained, and
• if T is a class type with a non-trivial constructor (12.1 [class.ctor] ), the constructor call has completed.

    struct B {
        B( int = 0 );
        ~B();
    };

    struct S {
        B b1;
    };

    int main()
    {
        S s = { 1 };
        return 0;
    }

Mike Miller: I see a couple of ways of fixing the problem. One way would be to change "the constructor call has completed" to "the object's initialization is complete."

Another would be to add following "a class type with a non-trivial constructor" the phrase "that is not initialized with the brace notation (8.5.1 [dcl.init.aggr] )."

The first formulation treats aggregate initialization like a constructor call; even POD-type members of an aggregate could not be accessed before the aggregate initialization completed. The second is less restrictive; the POD-type members of the aggregate would be usable before the initialization, and the members with non-trivial constructors (the only way an aggregate can acquire a non-trivial constructor) would be protected by recursive application of the lifetime rule.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

In 3.8 [basic.life] paragraph 1, change

If T is a class type with a non-trivial constructor (12.1 [class.ctor]), the constructor call has completed.

to

If T is a class type with a non-trivial constructor (12.1 [class.ctor]), the initialization is complete. [Note: the initialization can be performed by a constructor call or, in the case of an aggregate with an implicitly-declared non-trivial default constructor, an aggregate initialization (8.5.1 [dcl.init.aggr]).]

274. Cv-qualification and char-alias access to out-of-lifetime objects

[Voted into WP at April 2003 meeting.]

The wording in 3.8 [basic.life] paragraph 6 allows an lvalue designating an out-of-lifetime object to be used as the operand of a static_cast only if the conversion is ultimately to "char&" or "unsigned char&". This description excludes the possibility of using a cv-qualified version of these types for no apparent reason.

Notes on 04/01 meeting:

The wording should be changed to allow cv-qualified char types.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

In 3.8 [basic.life] paragraph 6 change the third bullet:

• the lvalue is used as the operand of a static_cast (5.2.9 [expr.static.cast]) (except when the conversion is ultimately to char& or unsigned char&), or

• the lvalue is used as the operand of a static_cast (5.2.9 [expr.static.cast]) except when the conversion is ultimately to cv char& or cv unsigned char&, or

404. Unclear reference to construction with non-trivial constructor

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

3.8 [basic.life] paragraph 1 second bullet says:

if T is a class type with a non-trivial constructor (12.1), the constructor call has completed.

This is confusing; what was intended is probably something like

if T is a class type and the constructor invoked to create the object is non-trivial (12.1), the constructor call has completed.

Proposed Resolution (October 2003):

As given above.

519. Null pointer preservation in void* conversions

[Voted into WP at April, 2006 meeting.]

The C standard says in 6.3.2.3, paragraph 4:

Conversion of a null pointer to another pointer type yields a null pointer of that type. Any two null pointers shall compare equal.

C++ appears to be incompatible with the first sentence in only two areas:

    A *a = 0;
    void *v = a;

C++ (4.10 [conv.ptr] paragraph 2) says nothing about the value of v.

    void *v = 0;
    A *b = (A*)v; // aka static_cast<A*>(v)

C++ (5.2.9 [expr.static.cast] paragraph 10) says nothing about the value of b.

Suggested changes:

1. Add the following sentence to 4.10 [conv.ptr] paragraph 2:

The null pointer value is converted to the null pointer value of the destination type.

2. Add the following sentence to 5.2.9 [expr.static.cast] paragraph 10:

The null pointer value (4.10 [conv.ptr]) is converted to the null pointer value of the destination type.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

1. Add the indicated words to 4.10 [conv.ptr] paragraph 2:

An rvalue of type “pointer to cv T,” where T is an object type, can be converted to an rvalue of type “pointer to cv void”. The result of converting a “pointer to cv T” to a “pointer to cv void” points to the start of the storage location where the object of type T resides, as if the object is a most derived object (1.8 [intro.object]) of type T (that is, not a base class subobject). The null pointer value is converted to the null pointer value of the destination type.

2. Add the indicated words to 5.2.9 [expr.static.cast] paragraph 11:

An rvalue of type “pointer to cv1 void” can be converted to an rvalue of type “pointer to cv2 T,” where T is an object type and cv2 is the same cv-qualification as, or greater cv-qualification than, cv1. The null pointer value is converted to the null pointer value of the destination type. A value of type pointer to object converted to “pointer to cv void” and back, possibly with different cv-qualification, shall have its original value...

480. Is a base of a virtual base also virtual?

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

When the Standard refers to a virtual base class, it should be understood to include base classes of virtual bases. However, the Standard doesn't actually say this anywhere, so when 4.11 [conv.mem] (for example) forbids casting to a derived class member pointer from a virtual base class member pointer, it could be read as meaning:

  struct B {};
  struct D : public B {};
  struct D2 : virtual public D {};

  int B::*p;
  int D::*q;

  void f() {
    static_cast<int D2::*>(p);  // permitted
    static_cast<int D2::*>(q);  // forbidden
  }

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

1. Change 4.11 [conv.mem] paragraph 2 as indicated:

...If B is an inaccessible (clause 11 [class.access]), ambiguous (10.2 [class.member.lookup]) or virtual (10.1 [class.mi]) base class of D, or a base class of a virtual base class of D, a program that necessitates this conversion is ill-formed...

2. Change 5.2.9 [expr.static.cast] paragraph 2 as indicated:

...and B is not neither a virtual base class of D nor a base class of a virtual base class of D...

3. Change 5.2.9 [expr.static.cast] paragraph 9 as indicated:

...and B is not neither a virtual base class of D nor a base class of a virtual base class of D...

351. Sequence point error: unspecified or undefined?

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

I have found what looks like a bug in clause 5 [expr], paragraph 4:

Between the previous and next sequence point a scalar object shall have its stored value modified at most once by the evaluation of an expression. Furthermore, the prior value shall be accessed only to determine the value to be stored. The requirements of this paragraph shall be met for each allowable ordering of the subexpressions of a full expression; otherwise the behavior is undefined. Example:

        i = v[i++];                     // the behavior is unspecified
        i = 7, i++, i++;                // i becomes 9

        i = ++i + 1;                    // the behavior is unspecified
        i = i + 1;                      // the value of i is incremented

--end example]

So which is it, unspecified or undefined?

Notes from October 2002 meeting:

We should find out what C99 says and do the same thing.

Proposed resolution (April 2003):

Change the example in clause 5 [expr], paragraph 4 from

[Example:

i = v[i++];                     //  the behavior is unspecified
i = 7, i++, i++;                //   i  becomes  9

i = ++i + 1;                    //  the behavior is unspecified
i = i + 1;                      //  the value of  i  is incremented

--- end example]

to (changing "unspecified" to "undefined" twice)

[Example:

i = v[i++];                     //  the behavior is undefined
i = 7, i++, i++;                //   i  becomes  9

i = ++i + 1;                    //  the behavior is undefined
i = i + 1;                      //  the value of  i  is incremented

--- end example]

451. Expressions with invalid results and ill-formedness

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

Clause 5 [expr] par. 5 of the standard says:

If during the evaluation of an expression, the result is not mathematically defined or not in the range of representable values for its type, the behavior is undefined, unless such an expression is a constant expression (5.19), in which case the program is ill-formed.

Well, we do know that except in some contexts (e.g. controlling expression of a #if, array bounds), a compiler is not required to evaluate constant-expressions in compile time, right?

Now, let us consider, the following simple snippet:

  if (a && 1/0)
      ...

I think the intent is actually the latter, so I propose the following rewording of the quoted section:

If an expression is evaluated but its result is not mathematically defined or not in the range of representable values for its type the behavior is undefined, unless such an expression is a constant expression (5.19) that shall be evaluated during program translation, in which case the program is ill-formed.

Rationale (March, 2004):

We feel the standard is clear enough. The quoted sentence does begin "If during the evaluation of an expression, ..." so the rest of the sentence does not apply to an expression that is not evaluated.

Note (September, 2004):

Gennaro Prota feels that the CWG missed the point of his original comment: unless a constant expression appears in a context that requires a constant expression, an implementation is permitted to defer its evaluation to runtime. An evaluation that fails at runtime cannot affect the well-formedness of the program; only expressions that are evaluated at compile time can make a program ill-formed.

The status has been reset to “open” to allow further discussion.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

Change paragraph 5 of 5 [expr] as indicated:

If during the evaluation of an expression, the result is not mathematically defined or not in the range of representable values for its type, the behavior is undefined, unless such an expression is a constant expression appears where an integral constant expression is required (5.19 [expr.const]), in which case the program is ill-formed.

122. template-ids as unqualified-ids

[Moved to DR at 10/01 meeting.]

5.1 [expr.prim] paragraph 11 reads,

A template-id shall be used as an unqualified-id only as specified in 14.7.2 [temp.explicit] , 14.7 [temp.spec] , and 14.5.5 [temp.class.spec] .

What uses of template-ids as unqualified-ids is this supposed to prevent? And is the list of referenced sections correct/complete? For instance, what about 14.8.1 [temp.arg.explicit], "Explicit template argument specification?" Does its absence from the list in 5.1 [expr.prim] paragraph 11 mean that "f<int>()" is ill-formed?

This is even more confusing when you recall that unqualified-ids are contained in qualified-ids:

qualified-id: ::_opt nested-name-specifier template_opt unqualified-id

Is the wording intending to say "used as an unqualified-id that is not part of a qualified-id?" Or something else?

Proposed resolution (10/00):

Remove the referenced sentence altogether.

125. Ambiguity in friend declaration syntax

[Voted into WP at March 2004 meeting.]

The example below is ambiguous.

    struct A{
      struct B{};
    };

    A::B C();

    namespace B{
      A C();
    }

    struct Test {
      friend A::B ::C();
    };

The ambiguity arises since both the simple-type-specifier (7.1.6.2 [dcl.type.simple] paragra 1) and an init-declararator (8 [dcl.decl] paragraph 1) contain an optional :: and an optional nested-name-specifier (5.1 [expr.prim] paragraph 1). Therefore, two different ways to analyse this code are possible:

simple-type-specifier = A::B
init-declarator = ::C()
simple-declaration = friend A::B ::C();

simple-type-specifier = A
init-declarator = ::B::C()
simple-declaration = friend A ::B::C();

Suggested Resolution: In the definition of nested-name-specifier, add a sentence saying that a :: token immediately following a nested-name-specifier is always considered as part of the nested-name-specifier. Under this interpretation, the example is ill-formed, and should be corrected as either

    friend A (::B::C)();   //or
    friend A::B (::C)();

An alternate suggestion — changing 7.1 [dcl.spec] to say that

The longest sequence of tokens that could possibly be a type name is taken as the decl-specifier-seq of a declaration.

— is undesirable because it would make the example well-formed rather than requiring the user to disambiguate the declaration explicitly.

Proposed resolution (04/01):

(See below for problem with this, from 10/01 meeting.)

In 5.1 [expr.prim] paragraph 7,

1. Before the grammar for qualified-id, start a new paragraph 7a with the text

   A qualified-id is an id-expression that contains the scope resolution operator ::.

2. Following the grammar fragment, insert the following:

   The longest sequence of tokens that could form a qualified-id constitutes a single qualified-id. [Example:

       // classes C, D; functions F, G, namespace N; non-class type T
       friend C ::D::F();   // ill-formed, means friend (C::D::F)();
       friend C (::D::F)(); // well-formed
       friend N::T ::G();   // ill-formed, means friend (N::T::G)();
       friend N::T (::G)(); // well-formed
   

   —end example]

3. Start a new paragraph 7b following the example.

(This resolution depends on that of issue 215.)

Notes from 10/01 meeting:

It was pointed out that the proposed resolution does not deal with cases like X::Y where X is a type but not a class type. The working group reaffirmed its decision that the disambiguation should be syntactic only, i.e., it should depend only on whether or not the name is a type.

At the Seattle meeting, I suggested that a solution might be to change the class-or-namespace-name in the nested-name-specifier rule to just be "identifier"; there was some resistance to this idea. FWIW, I've tried this in g++. I had to revise the idea so that only the second and subsequent names were open to being any identifier, but that seems to work just fine.

So, instead of

nested-name-specifier:
class-or-namespace-name :: nested-name-specifier_opt
class-or-namespace-name :: template nested-name-specifier

it would be

nested-name-specifier:
type-or-namespace-name :: (per issue 215)
nested-name-specifier identifier ::
nested-name-specifier template template-id ::

Or some equivalent but right-associative formulation, if people feel that's important, but it seems irrelevant to me.

Clark Nelson :

Personally, I prefer the left-associative rule. I think it makes it easier to understand. I was thinking about this production a lot at the meeting, considering also some issues related to 301. My formulation was getting kind of ugly, but with a left-associative rule, it gets a lot nicer.

Your proposal isn't complete, however, as it doesn't allow template arguments without an explicit template keyword. You probably want to add an alternative for:

nested-name-specifier type-or-namespace-name ::

There is admittedly overlap between this alternative and

nested-name-specifier identifier ::

but I think they're both necessary.

Notes from the 4/02 meeting:

The changes look good. Clark Nelson will merge the two proposals to produce a single proposed resolution.

Proposed resolution (April 2003):

nested-name-specifier is currently defined in 5.1 [expr.prim] paragraph 7 as:

nested-name-specifier:
class-or-namespace-name :: nested-name-specifier_opt
class-or-namespace-name :: template nested-name-specifier
class-or-namespace-name:
class-name
namespace-name

The proposed definition is instead:

nested-name-specifier:
type-name ::
namespace-name ::
nested-name-specifier identifier ::
nested-name-specifier template_opt template-id ::

Issue 215 is addressed by using type-name instead of class-name in the first alternative. Issue 125 (this issue) is addressed by using identifier instead of anything more specific in the third alternative. Using left association instead of right association helps eliminate the need for class-or-namespace-name (or type-or-namespace-name, as suggested for issue 215).

It should be noted that this formulation also rules out the possibility of A::template B::, i.e. using the template keyword without any template arguments. I think this is according to the purpose of the template keyword, and that the former rule allowed such a construct only because of the difficulty of formulation of a right-associative rule that would disallow it. But I wanted to be sure to point out this implication.

Notes from April 2003 meeting:

See also issue 96.

The proposed change resolves only part of issue 215.

446. Does an lvalue-to-rvalue conversion on the "?" operator produce a temporary?

[Voted into WP at October 2005 meeting.]

The problem occurs when the value of the operator is determined to be an rvalue, the selected argument is an lvalue, the type is a class type and a non-const member is invoked on the modifiable rvalue result.

    struct B {
        int v;
        B (int v) : v(v) { }
        void inc () { ++ v; }
        };
    struct D : B {
        D (int v) : B(v) { }
        };

    B b1(42);
    (0 ? B(13) : b1).inc();
    assert(b1.v == 42);

The types of the second and third operands are the same and one is an rvalue. Nothing changes until p6 where an lvalue to rvalue conversion is performed on the third operand. 12.2 [class.temporary] states that an lvalue to rvalue conversion produces a temporary and there is nothing to remove it. It seems clear that the assertion must pass, yet most implementations fail.

There seems to be a defect in p3 b2 b1. First, the conditions to get here and pass the test.

If E1 and E2 have class type, and the underlying class types are the same or one is a base class of the other: E1 can be converted to match E2 if the class of T2 is the same type as, or a base class of, the class of T1, and the cv-qualification of T2 is the same cv-qualification as, or a greater cv-qualification than, the cv-qualification of T1.

If both E1 and E2 are lvalues, passing the conditions here also passes the conditions for p3 b1. Thus, at least one is an rvalue. The case of two rvalues is not interesting and the action is covered by the case when E1 is an rvalue.

    (0 ? D(13) : b1).inc();
    assert(b1.v == 42);

E1 is changed to an rvalue of type T2 that still refers to the original source class object (or the appropriate subobject thereof). [Note: that is, no copy is made. ]

Having changed the rvalue to base type, we are back to the above case where an lvalue to rvalue conversion is required on the third operand at p6. Again, most implementations fail.

The remaining case, E1 an lvalue and E2 an rvalue, is the defect.

    D d1(42);
    (0 ? B(13) : d1).inc();
    assert(d1.v == 42);

The above quote states that an lvalue of type T1 is changed to an rvalue of type T2 without creating a temporary. This is in contradiction to everything else in the standard about lvalue to rvalue conversions. Most implementations pass in spite of the defect.

The usual accessible and unambiguous is missing from the base class.

There seems to be two possible solutions. Following other temporary creations would produce a temporary rvalue of type T1 and change it to an rvalue of type T2. Keeping the no copy aspect of this bullet intact would change the lvalue of type T1 to an lvalue of type T2. In this case the lvalue to rvalue conversion would happen in p6 as usual.

Suggested wording for p3 b2 b1

The base part:

If E1 and E2 have class type, and the underlying class types are the same or one is a base class of the other: E1 can be converted to match E2 if the class of T2 is the same type as, or an accessible and unambiguous base class of, the class of T1, and the cv-qualification of T2 is the same cv-qualification as, or a greater cv-qualification than, the cv-qualification of T1. If the conversion is applied:

The same type temporary version:

If E1 is an lvalue, an lvalue to rvalue conversion is applied. The resulting or original rvalue is changed to an rvalue of type T2 that refers to the same class object (or the appropriate subobject thereof). [Note: that is, no copy is made in changing the type of the rvalue. ]

The never copy version:

The lvalue(rvalue) E1 is changed to an lvalue(rvalue) of type T2 that refers to the original class object (or the appropriate subobject thereof). [Note: that is, no copy is made. ]

The test case was posted to clc++m and results for implementations were reported.

#include <cassert>
struct B {
    int v;
    B (int v) : v(v) { }
    void inc () { ++ v; }
    };
struct D : B {
    D (int v) : B(v) { }
    };
int main () {
    B b1(42);
    D d1(42);
    (0 ? B(13) : b1).inc();
    assert(b1.v == 42);
    (0 ? D(13) : b1).inc();
    assert(b1.v == 42);
    (0 ? B(13) : d1).inc();
    assert(d1.v == 42);
    }

// CbuilderX(EDG301) FFF  Rob Williscroft
// ICC-8.0           FFF  Alexander Stippler
// COMO-4.301        FFF  Alexander Stippler

// BCC-5.4           FFP  Rob Williscroft
// BCC32-5.5         FFP  John Potter
// BCC32-5.65        FFP  Rob Williscroft
// VC-6.0            FFP  Stephen Howe
// VC-7.0            FFP  Ben Hutchings
// VC-7.1            FFP  Stephen Howe
// OpenWatcom-1.1    FFP  Stephen Howe

// Sun C++-6.2       PFF  Ron Natalie

// GCC-3.2           PFP  John Potter
// GCC-3.3           PFP  Alexander Stippler

// GCC-2.95          PPP  Ben Hutchings
// GCC-3.4           PPP  Florian Weimer

I see no defect with regards to lvalue to rvalue conversions; however, there seems to be disagreement about what it means by implementers. It may not be surprising because 5.16 and passing a POD struct to an ellipsis are the only places where an lvalue to rvalue conversion applies to a class type. Most lvalue to rvalue conversions are on basic types as operands of builtin operators.

Notes from the March 2004 meeting:

We decided all "?" operators that return a class rvalue should copy the second or third operand to a temporary. See issue 86.

Proposed resolution (October 2004):

1. Change 5.16 [expr.cond] paragraph 3 bullet 2 sub-bullet 1 as follows:

   if E1 and E2 have class type, and the underlying class types are the same or one is a base class of the other: E1 can be converted to match E2 if the class of T2 is the same type as, or a base class of, the class of T1, and the cv-qualification of T2 is the same cv-qualification as, or a greater cv-qualification than, the cv-qualification of T1. If the conversion is applied, E1 is changed to an rvalue of type T2 that still refers to the original source class object (or the appropriate subobject thereof). [Note: that is, no copy is made. —end note] by copy-initializing a temporary of type T2 from E1 and using that temporary as the converted operand.

2. Change 5.16 [expr.cond] paragraph 6 bullet 1 as follows:

   The second and third operands have the same type; the result is of that type. If the operands have class type, the result is an rvalue temporary of the result type, which is copy-initialized from either the second operand or the third operand depending on the value of the first operand.

3. Change 4.1 [conv.lval] paragraph 2 as follows:

   The value contained in the object indicated by the lvalue is the rvalue result. When an lvalue-to-rvalue conversion occurs within the operand of sizeof (5.3.3 [expr.sizeof]) the value contained in the referenced object is not accessed, since that operator does not evaluate its operand. Otherwise, if the lvalue has a class type, the conversion copy-initializes a temporary of type T from the lvalue and the result of the conversion is an rvalue for the temporary. Otherwise, the value contained in the object indicated by the lvalue is the rvalue result.

[Note: this wording partially resolves issue 86. See also issue 462.]

366. String literal allowed in integral constant expression?

[Voted into WP at October 2003 meeting.]

According to 16.1 [cpp.cond] paragraph 1, the if-group

#if "Hello, world"

is well-formed, since it is an integral constant expression. Since that may not be obvious, here is why:

5.19 [expr.const] paragraph 1 says that an integral constant expression may involve literals (2.13 [lex.literal]); "Hello, world" is a literal. It restricts operators to not use certain type conversions; this expression does not use type conversions. It further disallows functions, class objects, pointers, ... - this expression is none of those, since it is an array.

However, 16.1 [cpp.cond] paragraph 6 does not explain what to do with this if-group, since the expression evaluates neither to false(zero) nor true(non-zero).

Proposed resolution (October 2002):

Change the beginning of the second sentence of 5.19 [expr.const] paragraph 1 which currently reads

An integral constant-expression can involve only literals (2.13 [lex.literal]), ...

An integral constant-expression can involve only literals of arithmetic types (2.13 [lex.literal], 3.9.1 [basic.fundamental]), ...

367. throw operator allowed in constant expression?

[Voted into WP at the October, 2006 meeting.]

The following translation unit appears to be well-formed.

int x[true?throw 4:5];

According to 5.19 [expr.const], this appears to be an integral constant expression: it is a conditional expression, involves only literals, and no assignment, increment, decrement, function-call, or comma operators. However, if this is well-formed, the standard gives no meaning to this declaration, since the array bound (8.3.4 [dcl.array] paragraph 1) cannot be computed.

I believe the defect is that throw expressions should also be banned from constant expressions.

Notes from October 2002 meeting:

We should also check on new and delete.

Notes from the April, 2005 meeting:

Although it could be argued that all three of these operators potentially involve function calls — throw to std::terminate, new and delete to the corresponding allocation and deallocation functions — and thus would already be excluded from constant expressions, this reasoning was considered to be too subtle to allow closing the issue with no change. A modification that explicitly clarifies the status of these operators will be drafted.

Proposed resolution (October, 2005):

Change the last sentence of 5.19 [expr.const] as indicated:

In particular, except in sizeof expressions, functions, class objects, pointers, or references shall not be used, and assignment, increment, decrement, function-call function call (including new-expressions and delete-expressions), or comma operators, or throw-expressions shall not be used.

Note: this sentence is also changed by the resolution of issue 530.

457. Wording nit on use of const variables in constant expressions

[Voted into WP at April 2005 meeting.]

I'm looking at 5.19 [expr.const]. I see:

An integral constant-expression can involve only ... const variables or static data members of integral or enumeration types initialized with constant expressions ...

Shouldn't that be "const non-volatile"?

It seems weird to say that:

  const volatile int i = 3;
  int j[i];

Steve Adamczyk: See issue 76, which made the similar change to 7.1.6.1 [dcl.type.cv] paragraph 2, and probably should have changed this one as well.

Proposed resolution (October, 2004):

Change the first sentence in the second part of 5.19 [expr.const] paragraph 1 as follows:

An integral constant-expression can involve only literals of arithmetic types (2.13 [lex.literal], 3.9.1 [basic.fundamental]), enumerators, non-volatile const variables or static data members of integral or enumeration types initialized with constant expressions (8.5 [dcl.init]), non-type template parameters of integral or enumeration types, and sizeof expressions.

195. Converting between function and object pointers

[Voted into WP at April 2005 meeting.]

It is currently not permitted to cast directly between a pointer to function type and a pointer to object type. This conversion is not listed in 5.2.9 [expr.static.cast] and 5.2.10 [expr.reinterpret.cast] and thus requires a diagnostic to be issued. However, if a sufficiently long integral type exists (as is the case in many implementations), it is permitted to cast between pointer to function types and pointer to object types using that integral type as an intermediary.

In C the cast results in undefined behavior and thus does not require a diagnostic, and Unix C compilers generally do not issue one. This fact is used in the definition of the standard Unix function dlsym, which is declared to return void* but in fact may return either a pointer to a function or a pointer to an object. The fact that C++ compilers are required to issue a diagnostic is viewed as a "competitive disadvantage" for the language.

Suggested resolution: Add wording to 5.2.10 [expr.reinterpret.cast] allowing conversions between pointer to function and pointer to object types, if the implementation has an integral data type that can be used as an intermediary.

Several points were raised in opposition to this suggestion:

1. Early C++ supported this conversion and it was deliberately removed during the standardization process.
2. The existence of an appropriate integral type is irrelevant to whether the conversion is "safe." The condition should be on whether information is lost in the conversion or not.
3. There are numerous ways to address the problem at an implementation level rather than changing the language. For example, the compiler could recognize the specific case of dlsym and omit the diagnostic, or the C++ binding to dlsym could be changed (using templates, for instance) to circumvent the violation.
4. The conversion is, in fact, not supported by C; the dlsym function is simply relying on non-mandated characteristics of C implementations, and we would be going beyond the requirements of C compatibility in requiring (some) implementations to support the conversion.
5. This issue is in fact not a defect (omitted or self-contradictory requirements) in the current Standard; the proposed change would actually be an extension and should not be considered until the full review of the IS.
6. dlsym appears not to be used very widely, and the declaration in the header file is not problematic, only calls to it. Since C code generally requires some porting to be valid C++ anyway, this should be considered one of those items that requires porting.

Martin O'Riordan suggested an alternative approach:

• Do not allow the conversions to be performed via old-style casts.
• Allow reinterpret_cast to perform the conversions with the C-style semantics (undefined behavior if not supported).
• Allow dynamic_cast to perform the conversions with well-defined behavior: the result would be a null pointer if the implementation could not support the requested conversion.

The advantage of this approach is that it would permit writing portable, well-defined programs involving such conversions. However, it breaks the current degree of compatibility between old and new casts, and it adds functionality to dynamic_cast which is not obviously related to its current meaning.

Notes from 04/00 meeting:

Andrew Koenig suggested yet another approach: specify that "no diagnostic is required" if the implementation supports the conversion.

Later note:

It was observed that conversion between function and data pointers is listed as a "common extension" in C99.

Notes on the 10/01 meeting:

It was decided that we want the conversion defined in such a way that it always exists but is always undefined (as opposed to existing only when the size relationship is appropriate, and being implementation-defined in that case). This would allow an implementation to issue an error at compile time if the conversion does not make sense.

Bill Gibbons notes that the definitions of the other similar casts are inconsistent in this regard. Perhaps they should be updated as well.

Proposed resolution (April 2003):

After 5.2.10 [expr.reinterpret.cast] paragraph 6, insert:

A pointer to a function can be explicitly converted to a pointer to a function of a different type. The effect of calling a function through a pointer to a function type (8.3.5 [dcl.fct]) that is not the same as the type used in the definition of the function is undefined. Except that converting an rvalue of type ``pointer to T1'' to the type ``pointer to T2'' (where T1 and T2 are function types) and back to its original type yields the original pointer value, the result of such a pointer conversion is unspecified. [Note: see also 4.10 [conv.ptr] for more details of pointer conversions. ] It is implementation defined whether a conversion from pointer to object to pointer to function and/or a conversion from pointer to function to pointer to object exist.

An lvalue expression of type T1 can be cast to the type ``reference to T2'' if T1 and T2 are object types and an expression of type ``pointer to T1'' can be explicitly converted to the type ``pointer to T2'' using a reinterpret_cast. That is, a reference cast reinterpret_cast< T& >(x) has the same effect as the conversion *reinterpret_cast< T* >(&x) with the built-in & and * operators. The result is an lvalue that refers to the same object as the source lvalue, but with a different type. No temporary is created, no copy is made, and constructors (12.1 [class.ctor]) or conversion functions (12.3 [class.conv]) are not called.

Drafting Note:

If either conversion exists, the implementation already has to define the behavior (paragraph 3).

Notes from April 2003 meeting:

The new consensus is that if the implementation allows this cast, pointer-to-function converted to pointer-to-object converted back to the original pointer-to-function should work; anything else is undefined behavior. If the implementation does not allow the cast, it should be ill-formed.

Tom Plum is investigating a new concept, that of a "conditionally-defined" feature, which may be applicable here.

Proposed Resolution (October, 2004):

(See paper J16/04-0067 = WG21 N1627 for background material and rationale for this resolution. The resolution proposed here differs only editorially from the one in the paper.)

1. Insert the following as 1.3.2 and renumber all following definitions accordingly:

   1.3.2  conditionally-supported behavior

   behavior evoked by a program construct that is not a mandatory requirement of this International Standard. If a given implementation supports the construct, the behavior shall be as described herein; otherwise, the implementation shall document that the construct is not supported and shall treat a program containing an occurrence of the construct as ill-formed (1.3.5 [defns.ill.formed]).

2. Add the indicated words to 1.4 [intro.compliance] paragraph 2, bullet 2:

   • If a program contains a violation of any diagnosable rule, or an occurrence of a construct described herein as “conditionally-supported” or as resulting in “conditionally-supported behavior” when the implementation does not in fact support that construct, a conforming implementation shall issue at least one diagnostic message, except that

3. Insert the following as a new paragraph following 5.2.10 [expr.reinterpret.cast] paragraph 7:

   Converting a pointer to a function to a pointer to an object type or vice versa evokes conditionally-supported behavior. In any such conversion supported by an implementation, converting from an rvalue of one type to the other and back (possibly with different cv-qualification) shall yield the original pointer value; mappings between pointers to functions and pointers to objects are otherwise implementation-defined.

4. Change 7.4 [dcl.asm] paragraph 1 as indicated:

   The meaning of an An asm declaration evokes conditionally-supported behavior. If supported, its meaning is implementation-defined.

5. Change 7.5 [dcl.link] paragraph 2 as indicated:

   The string-literal indicates the required language linkage. The meaning of the string-literal is implementation-defined. A linkage-specification with a string that is unknown to the implementation is ill-formed. This International Standard specifies the semantics of C and C++ language linkage. Other values of the string-