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c++c++11templatesc++17auto

Why auto is not allowed in template function for creating a built-in array?


This code below does not compile:

template<typename... Ts>
void CreateArr(const Ts&... args)
{
    auto arr[sizeof...(args) + 1]{ args... };
}

int main()
{
    CreateArr(1, 2, 3);
}

due to the following errors:

  • 'arr': in a direct-list-initialization context, the type for 'auto [6]' can only be deduced from a single initializer expression
  • auto [6]': an array cannot have an element type that contains 'auto'
  • 'initializing': cannot convert from 'const int' to 'std::initializer_list<int>'

My questions are:

  • Why cannot I use auto to define the type of the array?

  • How to define it properly to work with the template?


Solution

  • Why cannot I use auto to define the type of the array?

    For the same reason, following does not work/ allowed!

    auto ele[]{ 1, 2, 3 };
    

    More reads: Why can't I create an array of automatic variables?


    How to define it properly to work with the template?

    Use the std::common_type_t for specifying the type

    #include <type_traits> //  std::common_type_t
    
    template<typename... Ts>
    void CreateArr(const Ts&... args) 
    {
        std::common_type_t<Ts...> arr[sizeof...(args)]{ args... };
       
        static_assert(std::is_array_v<int[sizeof...(args)]>, "is not array!");
    }
    

    (See a Live Demo)