enum question

[Tony Johansson]

Hello!!

I have noticed that when you have defined some enum in the class definitions
these are called as if they were class members. Why is it not possible to
access enum BLACK and WHILE by using object t in main.

Ex.

class Test
{ enum Color{BLACK,WHITE}; };

main
{
Test t;
cout << Test::BLACK;
}


//Tony

 

[John Carson]

Hello!!

I have noticed that when you have defined some enum in the class
definitions these are called as if they were class members. Why is it
not possible to access enum BLACK and WHILE by using object t in main.

Ex.

class Test
{ enum Color{BLACK,WHITE}; };

The sloppy way in which you have written main is something that should be
avoided.

main
{
Test t;
cout << Test::BLACK;
}

Default access in a class is private for enum declarations, just as for
member data and functions. Put it in the public: section.

Incidentally, the declaration of t is not necessary.

 

[Mike Wahler]

Hello!!

I have noticed that when you have defined some enum in the class
definitions these are called as if they were class members.

That's because they are class members.

Why is it not possible to access enum BLACK and WHILE by using object t in
main.

Ex.

class Test
{ enum Color{BLACK,WHITE}; };

main
{
Test t;
cout << Test::BLACK;
}

Because 'BLACK' is declared 'private' (by default).
Make your enum 'public' and it will work. Alternatively,
leave it as 'private' and only access it from other
class members and/or friends.

This issue doesn't have to do with 'enum' only, it
applies to any class members.

-Mike