Hi,
I was exploring static variable by writing code snippets. I tried below code and it ended up throwing error saying "error: storage class specified for parameter 'b'"
Why static cannot be used in func() ?
Thanks,Code:int main() {int a; a=5; func(a); printf("%d",a); return 0;} void func(static int b) {b=6; printf("%d",b);}
Shilpa
Your compiler is basically telling you that the static keyword cannot be used in the declaration of a parameter.
Look up a C++ Reference and learn How To Ask Questions The Smart WayOriginally Posted by Bjarne Stroustrup (2000-10-14)
You can't do that. If you want the value in b static, make it so within the body of the function.
Code:void func(int b) { static int c = b; printf("%d", c); }
Last edited by kermit; 12-27-2013 at 10:48 AM.
Yes it cannot be used. But is there any reason why it can't be used ?
Thanks,
Shilpa
The short answer is that the standard says so. The static keyword is only applicable to definitions of variables and functions. It is not applicable to function parameters (or arguments).
As to why .... all function parameters in C are passed by value, meaning that a copy of the value supplied by the caller is what the function receives. The static keyword tells the compiler that something has a single fixed representation (for example, a specific location in memory). The two concepts are mutually exclusive - it does not make sense for a function parameter which will always be a copy of what the caller supplies to have a fixed representation.
Maybe if you explain what you are trying to accomplish conceptually someone can suggest an alternative. In other words, explain what do you want func(b) to do for some integer b?
The issue is where the variable are stored. Static variables normally go into the same storage area as globals. Function parameters are normally located on the stack or in registers.
grumpy and rcgldr,
Thank you for the info, that made it clear.
c99tutorial,
No requirement. Just learning
