How To Initialize static data members?

[xwolf9100]

I'm getting another error when I try to compile. It's telling me I must initialize my static data member but when I try to do that it tells my only constants may be initialized within the class. I'm using an abstract class in a header file so I don't want to have to make a source file just for one static data member, is there any work around?

[vlad from moscow]

Inside a class static data members are only declared but not defined. You shall define a static data member.

For example

In a header

struct A
{
static int x;
};

in a cpp-file

int A::x = 10;

You may initilaize only const static data members inside a class.

[Athar]

A possible workaround is this:

struct A
{
  static Foo& foo()
  {
    static Foo foo;
    return foo;
  }
};

[vlad from moscow]

@Athar

A possible workaround is this:

struct A
{
  static Foo& foo()
  {
    static Foo foo;
    return foo;
  }
}; 

It is invalid code becuase Foo is undefined name.

[Athar]

I can't tell whether you're joking or not.

[o1vk4iN6]

god forbid if you need to think for yourself a little bit.