BUG: Redefinition of Enum Data Type Does Not Cause an Error (128600)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 2.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 2.1
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 4.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 4.1
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 4.2
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 4.2
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 5.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 5.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 6.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 6.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Learning Edition 6.0

This article was previously published under Q128600

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 that this is a bug in the Microsoft products that are 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

Modification Type:	Minor	Last Reviewed:	7/5/2005
Keywords:	kbBug kbCompiler kbCPPonly KB128600