Template question

So i'm trying to convert a postfix expression to an expression tree and print it. I have the following classes. In the main, I have never really understood how to properly declare stuff. Im getting errors saying the function i used in main has not been declared and such. Any explanation would be appreciated

Code:

template<class object>
class TreeNode
{
  object element;
  TreeNode *left;
  TreeNode *right;
  TreeNode(const object &theElement, TreeNode *lt, TreeNode *rt):
    element(theElement), left(lt), right(rt){}
};
template<class object>
class Stack
{
public:
  Stack();
  ~Stack();
  bool isEmpty();
  TreeNode<object> *top();
  void makeEmpty();
  void pop();
  void push(TreeNode<object> *info);
  TreeNode<object> *topAndPop();
  void posttotree(string, TreeNode<object>*&);
private:
  struct ListNode {
    TreeNode<object> * element;
    ListNode *next;
    ListNode(const object &theElement, ListNode *n=NULL):
      element(theElement), next(n) {}
  };
  ListNode *topofstack;
};

int main()
{
  string postfix;
  TreeNode<object> *T;  // not properly declared
  cout << "Enter postfix expression:" << endl;
  cin >> postfix;
  posttotree(postfix, *T);   // function not declared?
  return 0;
}

you need to create a stack object in order to use the posttotree() function. it's a member function and cannot be called independently of an object. also, line 36 is a problem because there is no such thing as an 'object' type in the context of your program. you need to use a real type like int or string in place of object in main.

Is using a template better? I keep getting errors such as "Stack is not a template" or "TreeNode<char>* TreeNode<char>::left is private within this context"

Originally Posted by stefanyco

Is using a template better?

Better than what? Elkvis pointed out that using the name object in the main function is wrong because that name does not exist within that scope.

Better than no template, in this context.
And yes, got that.

The problems have nothing to do with templates and the fact that you seem confused on basics.
If you've used std::vector, then you know it wants a type. So does your tree. But you are telling it to use a non-existans type. The type "object" does not exist.
Furthermore, you are creating a pointer to a that tree, for absolutely no reason. Why?
posttotree is a member function in the Stack, yet you try to use it as a global function, and passing the wrong number of arguments, as well. Why?

Perhaps you should review basics.

Oh no no, I understand that. I knew that I was just frustrated when I posted this and posted prematurely. I'm getting different errors now such as 'Stack is not a template' or 'template argument required for struct Stack'
I was thinking of just making it a non template to just see if my algorithms work. But why would I get the error "Stack is not a template" for example, when it says template. haha I'll figure it out in due time.