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c++c++11function-pointersstd-function

C++ function types


I have a problem understanding function types (they appear e.g. as the Signature template parameter of a std::function):

typedef int Signature(int); // the signature in question

typedef std::function<int(int)>  std_fun_1;
typedef std::function<Signature> std_fun_2;

static_assert(std::is_same<std_fun_1, std_fun_2>::value,
              "They are the same, cool.");

int square(int x) { return x*x; }

Signature* pf = square;   // pf is a function pointer, easy
Signature f;              // but what the hell is this?
f(42);                    // this compiles but doesn't link

The variable f can not be assigned, but can be called. Weird. What is it good for, then?

Now if I const-qualify the typedef, I can still use it to build further types but apparently for nothing else:

typedef int ConstSig(int) const;

typedef std::function<int(int) const>  std_fun_3;
typedef std::function<ConstSig>        std_fun_4;

static_assert(std::is_same<std_fun_3, std_fun_4>::value,
              "Also the same, ok.");

ConstSig* pfc = square; // "Pointer to function type cannot have const qualifier"
ConstSig fc;            // "Non-member function cannot have const qualifier"

What remote corner of the language have I hit here? How is this strange type called and what can I use it for outside of template parameters?


Solution

  • Here's the relevant paragraph from the Standard. It pretty much speaks for itself.

    8.3.5/10

    A typedef of function type may be used to declare a function but shall not be used to define a function (8.4).

    Example:

    typedef void F();
    F  fv;         // OK: equivalent to void fv();
    F  fv { }      // ill-formed
    void fv() { }  // OK: definition of fv
    

    A typedef of a function type whose declarator includes a cv-qualifier-seq shall be used only to declare the function type for a non-static member function, to declare the function type to which a pointer to member refers, or to declare the top-level function type of another function typedef declaration.

    Example:

    typedef int FIC(int) const;
    FIC f;               // ill-formed: does not declare a member function
    struct S {
      FIC f;             // OK
    };
    FIC S::*pm = &S::f;  // OK