BUG: C2955 Error Generated If Using Same Name as Template

• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Edition, versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

Using the name of a template class as a void * parameter to a function, as illustrated in this article results in this error:

   C:\test.cpp(6) : error C2955: 'a' class template name expecting
                    parameter list

WORKAROUND

The resolution to this problem depends on which version of Visual C++ is being used. For Visual C++ 2.x, either change the parameter name, change the parameter type from a void * to non pointer data type, or do not use a template class.

For Visual C++ version 4.0 and later, you may use one of the version 2.x workarounds, or use namespaces. Consult your Visual C++ documentation for more information on how to use namespaces.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Sample Code

   /* Compile options needed: none
   */

   template<class T>
   class a
   {
   };

   void fn( void* a );