Thread: Initialisation of static variables

Hello all,

Another trivial question. Is this valid C code?

Code:

    #include <stdio.h>

    int a = 2, b = 2, c = a + b;

    void main(void)
    {
    printf("%d", c);
    return;
    }

The program compiles and runs fine on my C++ compiler. Unfortunately I haven't got a C compiler to test it on, but I am assuming a C compiler will handle it the same way (or as that assumption wrong?).

According to everything I've read, static variables must be initialised with constant expressions. "c" above is a static variable; however, "a + b" is not what I would consider to be a constant expression, even if its value clearly is constant here. So I would have expected a compilation error. Why don't I get one?

Suggestions would be most appreciated, etc.

Thanks for the quick response.

Actually I am using Borland C++ Version 4.52, which is probably totally unsuitable for Windows XP anyway (which is what I have on my PC). It came free with a magazine my dad bought about 10 years ago so I haven't any sort of manual for it.

Can you recommend anything more suitable?

Originally Posted by DL1

Thanks for the quick response.

Actually I am using Borland C++ Version 4.52, which is probably totally unsuitable for Windows XP anyway (which is what I have on my PC). It came free with a magazine my dad bought about 10 years ago so I haven't any sort of manual for it.

Can you recommend anything more suitable?

VC++ 2008 express

Thanks. I'll look into those. Unfortunately it's nearly 20 years since I was a student though, so no discounts for me!

Originally Posted by DL1

Thanks. I'll look into those. Unfortunately it's nearly 20 years since I was a student though, so no discounts for me!

Well, in that case you could use VS Express, Code::Block, Dev-C++. Lots of option for you. I use Dev-C++ which i think, this project has been withdrawn i guess, since i dint get any updates. Perhaps you should go for Code::Block that a very nice one. Which myself i switching over to it!

ssharish