Question about C++ syntax - Newbie requesting help

[angusyoung1000]

Well, I'm new to C++ and seem to get tangled up the C++ syntax quite
often. Here is my latest dilemma. Let's say I have something like:

String::String(const char *s) : length(strlen(s))

What is happening when the last : is encountered?

: length(strlen(s))

Sorry, I can't seem to find any explanation of this in my C++ book.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thx.

 

[Artie Gold]

Well, I'm new to C++ and seem to get tangled up the C++ syntax quite
often. Here is my latest dilemma. Let's say I have something like:

String::String(const char *s) : length(strlen(s))

What is happening when the last : is encountered?

: length(strlen(s))

Sorry, I can't seem to find any explanation of this in my C++ book.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thx.

It's an *initialization list*. Look that up in the index.

HTH,
--ag

 

[Sumit Rajan]

Well, I'm new to C++ and seem to get tangled up the C++ syntax quite
often. Here is my latest dilemma. Let's say I have something like:

String::String(const char *s) : length(strlen(s))

What is happening when the last : is encountered?

: length(strlen(s))

This is an initialization list. You may find the following FAQ helpful:
http://www.parashift.com/c++-faq-lite/ctors.html#faq-10.6

 

[Sharad Kala]

Sorry, I can't seem to find any explanation of this in my C++ book.

Which book are you reading ? You should consider changing your book if it
doesn't even talk about initialization lists. Check reviews of books at
http://www.accu.org.

Sharad

 

[Stuart Gerchick]

This is an initilization list. anything after the : will be set
before th main body of the program. So, length will get initalized.

Pls try to find a complete book. Lippman's C++ primer is a good, if
think source