size of an empty class

[free2cric]

Hi,
What will the syntax sound like for checking size of an empty class?
what will be the size.
Thanks,
Cric

 

[Srini]

Hi,

What will the syntax sound like for checking size of an empty class?
what will be the size.
Thanks,
Cric

#include <iostream>

class A
{
};

int main()
{
std::cout << sizeof(A);
return 0;
}

Srini

 

[Ian]

Hi,
What will the syntax sound like for checking size of an empty class?
what will be the size.

At least one byte.

Ian

 

[WittyGuy]

At least one byte.

What is the advantage of using empty class?

-Wg-

 

[msalters]

WittyGuy schreef:

What is the advantage of using empty class?

Empty classes do not have to take up space when used as base classes.
E.g. an empty class deriving from two empty base classes can also be
1 byte.

The main reason "really" empty classes (i.e. nothing between the { }
and
no base classes ) are in the language is that it would take an extra
rule
to disallow them. That's not worth it

HTH,
Michiel Salters

 

[WittyGuy]

to disallow them. That's not worth it

Do you mean that C++ fails to restrict this? In real-world empty class
is not implemented?

-Wg-

 

[Imre Palik]

What is the advantage of using empty class?

No advantage. Either you need it & use it, or don't need it & don't
use it.

They are used oft with template metaprogramming or as abstract base
classes.

ImRe