FIX: Visual C++ Build Process Won't Return If Missing ')'

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Edition, versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.2

SYMPTOMS

When the left parenthesis ')' is missing from the sample code listed below, which uses template, the Microsoft Visual C++ version 2.x build process will not return. However, you can choose Stop Build from the Project menu to cause the process to terminate with the following messages:

   cl.exe terminated at user request.
   Tool execution cancelled by user.
   Test.obj - 0 error(s), 0 warning(s)

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, add back the missing parenthesis.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the products listed at the beginning of this article. This bug was corrected in Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Edition, version 4.0.

MORE INFORMATION

Sample Code to Reproduce Problem

/* No special compile options needed
*/

   method();

template <class T> CTest<T>::method(() // Note the extra '(' here. The

                                       // compile on will never complete.
{
}