Thread: Variable Q:

If I understand your problem correctly, you could try the static keyword. Here's a short example:

Code:

#include <iostream>

void func()
{
static int var = 1;
if(var==1)
{
  std::cout<<var++;
  func();
}
}

int main()
{
func();
}

In that example var is initialized with a value of 1, then it outputs var and increments it. Then the function is called again and var has a value of 2, so there is no output and the function returns. It shouldn't be too hard to find a better explanation of the static keyword by searching these boards or google.

Another option could be to simply have a global variable, although static might be the prefered method.

There's a few options you have. The two most obvious ones JaWib has already mentioned (use a global variable or declare the variable as static). But you could also declare the variable in main(), and pass it as a reference to the function. That way the variable can be used by main() if need be, and its value doesn't get reset each time the function runs, and you still haven't created one of those hated-by-many-people global variables

EDIT: I know! will goto work? to goto the process?

You should be careful when you say stuff like that around here, some people might take offense (do a search for 'goto evil' on this messageboard)

That's what I wanted to do, make a global variable or make the variable a parameter. static keywords are evil! But how do you make a global variable?

static keywords are evil!

Errrr... why?

How do you make a global variable?

Very simple. Declare it outside of any function (at the top of your main .cpp file).

Code:

int small; //or int small = 1;
int health; // or int health = 15;
 
int hi();
 
int main()
{
   //if you didn't initialize small and health at the top:
   small = 1;
   health = 15;
   hi();
 
   return 0;
}
 
int hi()
{
   //do something with small and health, recurse, whatever you want :)
}

>>static keywords are evil!

I beg to differ. It might not be the best to use a static variable in this case, but if you can use it (ie you only use the variable in one function), it is better than a global variable IMO. Plus, it can be very useful in classes.

But it's your program anyways so do what you want

>>Plus, it can be very useful in classes.
Oh yeah, while we're on the subject... where do you usually put your static class member declarations (or definitions, whatever you call it)? Do you just stick them at the top of your main.cpp or something? Because I'm starting to get annoyed with my huge long statics.h header that I include in main.cpp...

Oops. Should have thought of that