You receive an "error C2233:'<Unknown>' : arrays of objects containing zero-size arrays are illegal" error message in Visual C++ when you compile a template class that contains a data member (216977)

The information in this article applies to:

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 Q216977

SYMPTOMS

When you compile a template class that contains a data member that is an array of a second template class, and the second class contains a data member that is an array, and the size of both arrays is dependent on a template parameter, you may receive the following error:

error C2233: '<Unknown>' : arrays of objects containing zero-size arrays are illegal

RESOLUTION

Use a pointer instead of an array. Allocate the space for the array in the constructor, and deallocate the space for the array in the destructor.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a bug in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

This bug has been fixed in Microsoft Visual Studio 6.0 Service Pack 5 (SP5).

To download service pack 5, see the Visual Studio Product Updates page on the following Microsoft Web site at:

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

template <int k>
class A
{
    char x[k];
};

template <int h, int j>
class B  
{
     A<h> y[j];
};

Workaround

template <int k>
class A
{
    char *x;
    A() {
        x = new char[k];
    }
    ~A() {
        delete[] x;
    }
};
template <int h, int j>
class B  
{
     A<h> y[j];
};

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	4/7/2006
Keywords:	kbQFE KBHotfixServer kbBug kbCompiler kbCPPonly kbfix kbVC600fix KB216977 kbAudDeveloper