#define array[8]

[Ducky]

Hi,

I need to create a chessboard with 64 squares.
Is it possible to define an initialize an array with #define?

#define ID_SQUARE[64]  for (int i=1; i<65; i++) ID_SQUARE[i]

[Elkvis]

your syntax is a bit off, but you can definitely do things like that. in C++ it's completely unnecessary though, because you have things like std::vector, which can be initialized to a specific size and populate all elements with a particular value. C-style arrays are effectively obsolete.

[grumpy]

No.

How about explain WHAT you're trying to achieve - in english, in the way a chess teacher might explain it to a child, rather than to a programmer - rather than making random guesses about how to achieve it in C++?

[Ducky]

Thanks.
These values go in a Win32 function as HMENU parameters and the compiler asking me for a const value so I dont think a C++ vector will do.

[kmdv]

Thanks.
These values go in a Win32 function as HMENU parameters and the compiler asking me for a const value so I dont think a C++ vector will do.

"Will do".

However, not only it is usually a bad idea to go with bare Win32 API, it is also dangerous to mix C-style libraries with C++ (e.g., memory management), and even more dangerous if it is done by a beginner.

[Elkvis]

Thanks.
These values go in a Win32 function as HMENU parameters and the compiler asking me for a const value so I dont think a C++ vector will do.

that's exactly why std::vector has data() member function. it returns a pointer to the beginning of the internal array. you can then also use the size() member function to get the number of elements in the vector.

[Ducky]

I tried to use a vector and I can initialize it but when I try to use it in WM_COMMAND it wont compile:

error C2051: case expression not constant|

vector<int> ID_SQUARE;
        for (int i=1; i<65; i++)
          ID_SQUARE.push_back(i);
Later...
WM_COMMAND
case ID_SQUARE[1]
:

[Elkvis]

vector<int> ID_SQUARE;
        for (int i=1; i<65; i++)
          ID_SQUARE.push_back(i);
Later...
WM_COMMAND
case ID_SQUARE[1]
:

you can't use non-constant values in a case statement. this will be the case whether you use an array or an std::vector.

[Ducky]

Thanks.
So no other choice but to define 64 values unless I try to use 'if else' statements.

[Elkvis]

perhaps we can find a better solution if you explain your problem and what you're trying to do in a little more detail.

[rcgldr]

perhaps we can find a better solution if you explain your problem and what you're trying to do in a little more detail.

He's stuck with constant values passed to the windows program as messages. He mentions HMENU, but if the squares are laid out on the screen, then he can optionally get messages as the mouse pointer moves through the matrix of squares, and/or get a message if the user clicks on a square, and windows will identify the squares through the resource with constant identifiers.

A program could be used to create the include file(s) for the squares.

[Ducky]

Yes thats what Im trying to do and I ended up creating the 64 #defines with a program indeed.
Mouse pointer would be a good idea too thats right but I think creating the chess cases as buttons is easier.

[laserlight]

Yes thats what Im trying to do and I ended up creating the 64 #defines with a program indeed.

It seems to me that an enumeration fits the bill.

[whiteflags]

You could make the squares an enum.

[Ducky]

An enumeration, good idea, thanks.