Error: cannot specify explicit initializer for array

Question

I'm using Visual Studios 2013 and I keep getting this error yet I don't understand why.

class CLI{
    string commands[2] = {"create", "login"};
public:
    void addCommand(), start(), getCommand(string);
};

The error:

error C2536: 'CLI::CLI::commands': cannot specify explicit initializer for arrays

It should work fine. Out of curiosity, does this one work for you? — Qaz
– Qaz, Commented May 27, 2014 at 22:52
I won't ask what this is supposed to be: void addCommand(), start(), getCommand(string);, since it isn't related to your question. — WhozCraig
– WhozCraig, Commented May 27, 2014 at 22:58
You cannot initialize class members in this way before C++11. You need to do it in a constructor instead. — Tobias Brandt
– Tobias Brandt, Commented May 27, 2014 at 23:00
@TobiasBrandt, It's getting better. They are actually putting in a big effort to get caught up in that regard. I'm guessing VS2015 will be (nearly?) finished with C++14, which is much better than they did for C++11 at least. VS2014 should have most of it, too. — Qaz
– Qaz, Commented May 27, 2014 at 23:24

Maple · Accepted Answer · 2014-05-27 23:17:47Z

15

Visual Studio 2013 is not completely C++11 compliant, so, like Tobias Brandt said, you'll need to use a constructor to initialize those members.

Braced init lists are a C++11 feature.

answered May 27, 2014 at 23:17

Maple

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Comments

Ricky65 · Accepted Answer · 2014-05-28 01:04:47Z

2

I don't think that in-class member initializers are implemented in VC2013. Instead, initialize the array in a constructor. For example:

class CLI{
    string commands[2];
public:
    CLI() : commands {"create", "login"}
    {}
};

answered May 28, 2014 at 0:57

Ricky65

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I get the same error involving "cannot specify explicit initializer for arrays" when using the constructor

It's not supported then. You'll have to initialize it in the constructor then. e.g "CLI(){commands[0] = "create";commands[1] = "login";}"