BUG: Redefinition of Enum Data Type Does Not Cause an Error

• The C/C++ Compiler (CL.EXE), included with:
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, versions 2.0, 2.1, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 5.0, 6.0

SYMPTOMS

When an enumerated type is declared in class scope, if it is declared again at global scope, the compiler will not generate an error. However, once redefined, the result of using those enumerated types is unpredictable.

RESOLUTION

An enumerated type should be defined only once within any scope.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

Sample Code to Demonstrate Problem

/* Compiler options needed: /c
*/ 

class Test
{
  public:
    enum status {a = 2, b};
};

enum Test::status {a = 4, b, c};     // Should be an error 

REFERENCES

"The Annotated C++ Reference Manual" by Ellis and Stroustrup (Jan 1994), section 7.2

Additional query words: kbVC400bug 9.00 9.10 10.10 10.20

Keywords : kbCompiler kbCPPonly kbVC kbVC500bug
Version : winnt:2.0,2.1,4.0,4.1,4.2,5.0,6.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug