FIX: Exception Specification in Template causes C2961 Error

Last reviewed: September 18, 1997
Article ID: Q133071
The information in this article applies to:
  • The Microsoft C/C++ Compiler (CL.EXE) included with: - Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Edition, versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 4.0, 4.1

SYMPTOMS

When you use an exception specification in a class or function template, the following error occurs:

   error C2961: syntax error : 'throw' : unexpected token in template
   declaration

RESOLUTION

Remove the exception specification from the function declaration and definition. By design, it is not supported.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This bug was corrected in Visual C++ version 5.0.

MORE INFORMATION

The use of exception specifications is not supported in this version of Microsoft C++. However, you would expect the compiler to generate the following warning instead of an error:

   warning C4290: C++ Exception Specification ignored

This level 4 warning is generated as expected when using an exception specification in a non-templated class or function.

Sample Code to Generate Error C2961 and Demonstrate Problem

   /* Compile options needed: (none)
   */
   template <class T>
   class C1 {
   public:
        C1();
        void fn() throw();   // C2961 error - to work around, remove
        "throw()"
   };

   template <class T>
   void C1<T>::fn() throw()  // C2961 error - to work around, remove
   "throw()"
   {}

Sample Code to Generate Warning C4290 and Demonstrate Resolution

   /* Compile options needed: /W4
   */
   class C2 {
   public:
        C2();
        void fn() throw(); // compiler correctly generates C4290 warning
   };

   void C2::fn() throw()   // compiler correctly generates C4290 warning
   {}


Additional query words: 9.0 9.00 9.1 9.10 9.2 9.20

Keywords : CPPLngIss vcfixlist500 kbcode kberrmsg kbtool
Version : 2.0 2.1 2.2 4.0 4.1
Platform : NT WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug
Solution Type : kbfix


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: September 18, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.