structure array won't initialize

Question

I'm trying to initialize the members of candy like this.

#include <iostream>
#include <string>

struct CandyBar
{
std::string Brand;
float weight;
int cal;
};

int main()
{
CandyBar candy[3];
candy[0] = {"toe foe", 30.2f, 500};
candy[1] = {"lays", 2.1f, 10};
candy[2] = {"fin", 40.5f, 1000};
return 0;
}

But it gives me a syntax error near the opening brace i know this is wrong but is there a way like this to initialize a array of struct. And can someone explain why is the above code wrong.

@bames53, Huh, didn't think that worked with std::string as a member unless there was a constructor to call, but it does on GCC at least :) — Qaz
– Qaz, Commented Jun 27, 2013 at 5:16
@yuan there is nothing explicit in 5.17 assignment, but what I think happens is that copy assignment: semantically, the RHS initializar list converts to a CandyBar temporary, which is then used for assignment. — juanchopanza
– juanchopanza, Commented Jun 27, 2013 at 6:43

Carl Norum · Accepted Answer · 2013-06-27 05:04:06Z

2

You're not initializing the array, you're making assignments to its elements. If you do use an initializer, it will work fine:

CandyBar candy[3] = {
    {"toe foe", 30.2f, 500},
    {"lays", 2.1f, 10},
    {"fin", 40.5f, 1000}
};

edited Jun 27, 2013 at 5:04

answered Jun 27, 2013 at 4:58

Carl Norum

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Karthik T · Accepted Answer · 2013-06-27 06:51:04Z

2

CandyBar candy[3] = {
 {"toe foe", 30.2f, 500},
 {"lays", 2.1f, 10},
 {"fin", 40.5f, 1000}};

You can do this.

This style can only be used in the initialization stage, i.e when you create the variable. It cannot be used to assign the value later. (pre C++11)

edited Jun 27, 2013 at 6:51

answered Jun 27, 2013 at 4:58

Karthik T

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3 Comments

juanchopanza Over a year ago

You can use this style at the assignment stage too. CandyBar is an aggregate.

yuan Over a year ago

@juanchopanza any proof in standard? 8.5.1 Aggregates didn't talk about the assignment at all

Karthik T Over a year ago

@juanchopanza I have made it clearer that the statement applies to < C++11. From the fact that the question exists, I take it thats where the OP is from.

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