BUG: Compiler Error C2955 Caused by Global STL Iterators

• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, version 4.2

SYMPTOMS

When you declare a global typedef of any STL iterator, the compiler error C2955 occurs.

RESOLUTION

In the sample code below, replace:

   typedef IntVector::iterator IT ;

   // Workaround for VC++ 4.2:
   #if _MSC_VER == 1020
   struct X
   {
       typedef IntVector::iterator it ;
   };
   typedef X::it IT ;
   #else
   typedef IntVector::iterator IT ;
   #endif

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this bug and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Sample Code

   /* Compile options needed: /GX
   */

   #include <iostream>
   #include <vector>

   typedef vector<int, allocator <int> >   IntVector;
   // C2955 error on the following line
   typedef IntVector::iterator IT ;

   void Show (IT i)
   {
       cout << *i << endl;
   }

   int main (int argc, char *argv[])
   {
       IntVector   v;

       v.push_back(1);
       v.push_back(2);
       v.push_back(3);

       for (IntVector::iterator i = v.begin(); i != v.end(); i++)
       {
           Show(i);
       }
       return 0 ;
   }