struct with same name but different member in C++

Question

As per book The C++ Programming Language (Bjarne Stroustrup), in section 15.2.3 (The One definition rule) page no 425, I write program as below :

file1.cpp

struct S2 { int a; char b; };

file2.cpp

struct S2 { int a; char bb; };
int main(){ return 0;}

To compile I tried below command.

g++ -std=c++11 file1.cpp file2.cpp

and

clang++ -std=c++11 file1.cpp file2.cpp

Both these command producing executable with out any error or warning. But as per book this example should give error.

I'm not sure if this is a violation of the *one definition rule* (ODR) or not. However, if it is, the compiler is *not* required to give an error - it just means that the programmer has made a mistake. — Martin Bonner supports Monica, May 13 '16 at 07:16
@MartinBonner: yes this is clear violation of ODR. you are right. Compiler isn't required to give an error — Destructor, May 13 '16 at 07:23

score 14 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 11:44

14

One Definition Rule says that:

if one .cpp file defines struct S { int x; }; and the other .cpp file defines struct S { int y; };, the behavior of the program that links them together is undefined.

So, your program invokes undefined behaviour (UB). So, compiler isn't required to give diagnosis for this.

If you want know the reason behind it then read this.

Hope it helps. :)

edited May 23 '17 at 11:44

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answered May 13 '16 at 07:21

Destructor

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struct with same name but different member in C++

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