How to use classes in seperate C++ files

In C#, I got use to putting each class into its own file. During compilation, it would link all these files together and make a final executable program. While going back to C++, I've been trying to achieve the same process. My files include...

winmain.cpp // obvious main start of the program
winmain.h // header

Common.cpp // my character's class

In Common.cpp, the simple file contains the following:

Code:

---

#include <iostream>

namespace MyNamespace
{
        class Common
        {
        public:
                int x, y;
        };
}

---

I create the Common object named PC in my winmain.cpp file like this:

MyNamespace::Common PC;

I try compiling the project now. I recieve the following errors:

error C2653: 'MyNamespace' : is not a class or namespace name
error C2065: 'Common' : undeclared identifier
error C2146: syntax error : missing ';' before identifier 'PC'
error C2065: 'PC' : undeclared identifier


What am I missing here?

headers.

the c++ compilation model is primitive compared to, well pretty much any other language!

you need a Common.h which has the class definition i.e.

Code:

---

namespace MyNamespace
{
        class Common
        {
        public:
                int x, y;
                void DoStuff(void);
        };
}

---

winmain.cpp should #include Common.h

note that you can put the definition of Common::DoStuff() in common.cpp (unless you want it inline or it's a template, but that's not relevant here)

put the class in a *.h file then include that file in all *.cpp files in which it will be used. Very similar to how you use your compiler's standard header files, but enclose the filename in quotes, not angle brackets

Code:

---

#include "MyHeaderFile.h"

---

Ah, I see. So basically the header is the signature of the class, then the constructors, methods etc all go into the .cpp file... thanks for the help.