Is there a reason that I cannot access structures properly when creating a function?

Hey guys, sorry, another probably no brainer that's sending me through the wall.

I can't seem to access the data in a structure when I create a function.. which is really annoying me!

Code:

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

struct persons
{
    string name;
    string Brief_comments;
    int age;
    int Client_number;
};

int first_section
{
    persons structure;
    cout << "Please enter the clients name to store: ";
    cin >> structure.name;
    cin.ignore();
};

persons structure gives me an error (Expected primary expression before ect ect ect) basically trying to tell me YOU CAN'T DO THIS!

Is there a rule in C++ (Or all languages for that matter) that prevents me accessing the structures information through a separate function?

Thanks in advance all!

There are a few problems with your code:

• You did not #include <string>
• Your first_section function definition is missing the parameter list.
• Although you declared first_section as returning an int, you did not actually return an int.
• The semi-colon right after the definition of first_section is unnecessary (though not an error).

I haven't ever been declaring the header string.. but I guess that would explain the next question I was just about to ask about why it was cutting my strings off when I used space, you're all over my questions! :P :P

The Parameter list.. I will have to look that up. Is that a major player in the reason that I have the above troubles?

Got it, return 0 added xD
Thanks for your quick response!

Originally Posted by xScen3xHdstyl3x

The Parameter list.. I will have to look that up. Is that a major player in the reason that I have the above troubles?

Yes, because until you add it (even if it is only an empty matching pair of parentheses), your function definition does not look like a function definition at all.