difference between this->method() and method()

Hi,
I would like to know what is the difference between

Code:

---

this->method()

---

and the simple

Code:

---

method()

---

I found that both compile and seems to be ok, but I suppose there should be a difference.

Thanks in advance ;)

Assuming that member is a member function and the call is from within a member function of the class, they are usually equivalent, but the former can be useful if disambiguation of names is needed, or in another related case: Why am I getting errors when my template-derived-class uses a member it inherits from its template-base-class?

Thanks LaserLight,
So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nacho4d

So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members)

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In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nacho4d

Thanks LaserLight,
So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members)

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by laserlight

...but the former can be useful if disambiguation of names is needed...

---

I believe what laser light means by this is something similar to the following.

Code:

---

class foo
{
private:
    int milliseconds;
public:
    void time(int);
};

void foo::time(int milliseconds)
{
    this->milliseconds = milliseconds; // versus saying 'milliseconds = milliseconds'
}

---

>> In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter.

I agree. In fact, if you don't use this-> unless it is necessary, it helps make it clearer that it is necessary if you ever do use it.

I use it every time, but hen I prefer my code to be clear and concise and easily maintainable. If you leave this-> out, you may regret it some day when you make changes that make it necessary and you have to track through 1000 lines of code to find the problem.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Daved

>> In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter.

I agree. In fact, if you don't use this-> unless it is necessary, it helps make it clearer that it is necessary if you ever do use it.

---

E.g.

Code:

---

foo(a, b, c);

---

vs

Code:

---

foo(this->a, this->b, this->c);

---

etc...

You wont catch me putting tons of redundant clutter in there!