Classes

Yes, this is a newbie question, and yes, I do expect to get flamed for it. I'm not really understanding the whole structure of classes, declaring variables inside of them, etc. I know that this source code is (duh) incorrect and won't compile. I would like if someone could rewrite the code so it is correct and compiles, and to further advance my learning of the language.

Code:

#include <stdafx.h>
#include <cmath>
#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

class box
{
	static food;
	food = 4
}

int main ()
{
	cout<<"The box has "<< box::food<< "pieces of food in it";

	return 0;

}

Fire away.

Mind helping?

Bumping after 10 minutes is pretty weak.

Here's a start:

Code:

class box
{
        // Members of classes are private by default, so this is inaccessible outside the class.
	static food; // food does not have a data type
	food = 4 // no terminating semi-colon
} // no terminating semi-colon

Yes, you might get flamed. Not because of the question but because of:
1. The stupid unreadable green text
2. For asking a rewrite of the code rather than find out what the problem is
3. Not providing us with the actual error message the compiler throws
4. Bumping way too quickly

If you wouldn't do those four points I'd actually be writing a solution now. And probably dozens of others would have, already.

So I suggest... Try again in the same thread. If it's decent I bet you'll get answer within a couple of hours.

food = 4 // you can't instantiate static members inside the class definition. move it outside and make sure to qualify it as box::food and don't forget the data type again.

The basic concept behind classes is that the program relies more to data than to actions! In other words, you can take two objects of the same class and provide them with data that'll make them react differently.

Consider a variable like int or float to be a class ( although it isn't ). Let's declare some integers:

Code:

int a;
int b(0);
int c = 123;
int d(b);
int e = d;

Each of the above are independant from each other, each holding it's own value and performing it's own operations.

A class is like a species, like us humans!
An instance of a class is like me, you, each one who reads this topic etc. We are all built the same way, but given different data that make us respond differently to the same actions!!! ( I know that's a rough example but it'll do )

That's how a class is defined:

Code:

class someClass
{
    public: // Everything under this can be used by anyone
      someClass(); // Default Constructor, optional
      ~someClass(); //Destructor, optional
      
      /* Here public functions and variables are declared */
     
    protected: // Everything under this can be used only by this class's members and descendants   
    
     /* Here protected functions and variables are declared */
 
    private: // Everything under this can be used only by this class's members
      
    /* Here private functions and variables are declared */  
};

You cannot make use of any operation inside the braces of a class and out the braces of a member function!

Get started with the above AND understand them before you go on. OOP is very exciting once you get the hand of it!

PS: Why do you include <cmath> and <stdafx.h> ??

Originally Posted by Sipher

A class is like a species, like us humans!
An instance of a class is like me, you, each one who reads this topic etc. We are all built the same way, but given different data that make us respond differently to the same actions!!! ( I know that's a rough example but it'll do )

Yeah, it is a slightly weak analogy in the sense that a class is a clearly defined real thing which can produce an object, whereas humans are more "procedural": being human is an abstraction of the individual human, and not vice versa. Human instances are created by other human instances.

Classes make it easier to organize your code by providing a framework so you do not have to think about "how" so much -- you just do. This generic framework also makes it easier for other people to understand your code.

Originally Posted by MK27

being human is an abstraction of the individual human, and not vice versa. Human instances are created by other human instances.

I really haven't thought of that! My logic is that we are all built the same way, by the same materials, and our unique data are what our parents and our society give us as standards!

The church way: God is the class, and we are the instances!!!!!

Originally Posted by Sipher

I really haven't thought of that! My logic is that we are all built the same way, by the same materials, and our unique data are what our parents and our society give us as standards!

You believe in delivery by stork too?

Originally Posted by Sipher

The church way: God is the class, and we are the instances!!!!!

Err, no. That would imply we are "gods" or "god", but clearly, even by church philosophy, we are not. No?
Human is the class and individuals are us is a better analogy.

Originally Posted by grumpy

You believe in delivery by stork too?

What do you mean by that??