Using an object as an instance variable in a basic Objective C program, I get an "expected specifier-qualifier-list" error

Question

I am writing a simple program that uses an object *center from an XYPoint class as an instance variable.

@interface Circle : NSObject {
    int radius;
    XYPoint *center;
}

however, I get this error message when compiling the code:

error: expected specifier-qualifier-list before 'XYPoint'

how can I fix this?

Sherm Pendley · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-28 16:28:41Z

3

In Circle.h, you need to declare the XYPoint class:

@class XYPoint;

Then, in Circle.m, import its full definition:

#import "XYPoint.h"

answered Mar 28, 2011 at 16:28

Sherm Pendley

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Comments

hennes · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-28 15:24:53Z

1

You need to include the appropriate header file that defines the XYPoint class.

answered Mar 28, 2011 at 15:24

hennes

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2 Comments

Sherm Pendley Over a year ago

I disagree. Importing the XYPoint.h into Circle.h introduces an unnecessary dependency that will slow down build time. Better to declare it with @class, and put the #import in Circle.m.

hennes Over a year ago

@Sherm Pendley Indeed, @class would be more preferable, I agree.

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