FIX: Error C2371 on Struct Typedef that Does Not Have a Tag

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

SYMPTOMS

If you have a typedef for a structure that doesn't have a tag, you may receive the following error when you compile the code:

   Error C2371: '<typedef tag>' : redefinition; different basic types

RESOLUTION

Include a tag for the structure.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This bug was corrected in Visual C++ version 5.0.

MORE INFORMATION

Sample Code to Reproduce Problem

   /* Compile options needed: none
   */

   class A
   {
     public:
       const A& operator=(const A&);
   };

   typedef struct  // add tag here
   {
      A a;
   } B;

   B t1, t2;

   void f()
   {
     t2 = t1;
   }

   void main()
   {
      f();
   }
   \*

Keywords          : CPPLangIss vcbuglist400 vcfixlist500 kbprg
Version           : 2.0 2.1 2.2 4.0 4.1 4.2
Platform          : NT WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix