Ever stumbled upon the ‘Expected Type-Specifier Before‘ error in your code? It’s like trying to order a dish in Delhi without knowing its name – you’re missing a crucial detail! This error occurs when the compiler expects a specific data type, but it doesn’t find it where it should be. Fear not! here is a quick fix: make sure to include the necessary data type declaration before using it in your code.

What is this problem?

Let’s dive straight into the matter. The “Expected type-specifier before classname” error is a common problem in C++ programming. It usually crops up when you’re working with elements like classes, shared pointers, or pure virtual functions, and the compiler expects a type-specifier (like a class name) but encounters something else. It’s similar to ordering a beloved Delhi dish and receiving an entirely different cuisine.

Case 1: Missing or Misspelled Class Name

Imagine you’re defining a shared pointer to a class, but you either misspelled the class name or forgot to include the necessary header. This scenario can trigger the error.

Case 2: Defective Inclusion Guards

Your Inclusion Guards (those #ifndef and #define statements) might be faulty, leading to this error. This could happen due to a typo or a copy-paste mistake.

Case 3: Double Usage of Inclusion Guards

Sometimes, you might accidentally use inclusion guards twice. This can occur when two separate files both use #define MYHEADER_H, even if they are in different directories.

Case 4: Template Misuse

If you’re working with templates, you might forget to specify the template parameter when creating an instance. For example, using new Vector() should be new Vector().

Case 5: Compiler Confusion on Scope

The compiler might misinterpret the scope you intended. For instance, if you have NamespaceA::NamespaceB and also ::NamespaceB, the compiler, when already within NamespaceA, might assume you meant NamespaceA::NamespaceB. To avoid this, explicitly specify the scope you intend.

How to recreate this issue?

Recreating this error is as straightforward as hailing an auto-rickshaw in Delhi. Let’s explore multiple scenarios:

Case 1: Missing or Misspelled Class Name

Define a shared pointer to a class but either misspell the class name or forget to include the required header file. The compiler, like a vigilant Delhi traffic cop, will flag this as an error.

Case 2: Defective Inclusion Guards

Introduce defects in your inclusion guards by making them mismatch or contain typos. This can happen when #ifndef HEADER_H doesn’t match #define HEADR_H due to a typo or copy-paste mistake.

Case 3: Double Usage of Inclusion Guards

Create two separate files in different directories and unintentionally use the same inclusion guards in both. The compiler may get confused, leading to the error.

Case 4: Template Misuse

Work with templates and forget to specify the template parameter when creating an instance. This can confuse the compiler.

Case 5: Compiler Confusion on Scope

Define namespaces or scopes that share similar names, and let the compiler assume the wrong one. Ensure you explicitly access the intended scope.

Code examples

Let’s dive into the code to illustrate these cases:

Case 1: Missing or Misspelled Class Name

#include 
using namespace std;

class Delhiite {
public:
    void Greet() {
        cout 



Case 2: Defective Inclusion Guards



#ifndef METRO_H
#define METRO_HH // Typo here, should be METRO_H
// Your code here
#endif




Case 3: Double Usage of Inclusion Guards



In File1.cpp:

#define METRO_H
// Your code here


In File2.cpp (in a different directory):

#define METRO_H
// Your code here




Case 4: Template Misuse



template 
class Adventure {
    // Class code here
};

int main() {
    Adventure park; // Error occurs here
    return 0;
}




Case 5: Compiler Confusion on Scope



namespace Delhi {
    class Traffic {
    public:
        void Jam() {
            // Traffic jam code
        }
    };
}

namespace India {
    class Traffic {
    public:
        void Smooth() {
            // Smooth traffic code
        }
    };
}

int main() {
    Delhi::Traffic traffic;
    traffic.Smooth(); // Error occurs here
    return 0;
}




Error messages



Upon compiling these codes, you’ll likely encounter error messages like:



error: expected type-specifier before 'Dehliite'




What was wrong in the code



Now, let’s unravel the issues within the code



Case 1: Missing or Misspelled Class Name



The error arises because we attempted to create a shared pointer to a class called “Dehliite,” but there’s a typo in the class name; it should be “Delhiite.” Additionally, the necessary header file for the class may be missing.



Tip: Double-check your class names and ensure they are correctly spelled.
Verify that you’ve included the appropriate header files for your classes.



Case 2: Defective Inclusion Guards



The error occurs because there’s a typo



in the #define statement, making it mismatch with the #ifndef statement. Inclusion guards should be identical to avoid this error.



Tip: Carefully inspect your inclusion guards for typos.
Ensure consistency between #ifndef and #define statements.



Case 3: Double Usage of Inclusion Guards



This error results from using the same inclusion guards in two separate files, causing ambiguity for the compiler.



Tip: Use distinct inclusion guards for different files, especially in separate directories.
Organize your code to prevent unintentional reuse of inclusion guards.



Case 4: Template Misuse



The error occurs because we forgot to specify the template parameter when creating an instance of the Vector class. Templates require explicit type specification.



Tip: When working with templates, be sure to specify the template parameter (e.g., Vector).
Avoid generic usage of templates without specifying types.



Case 5: Compiler Confusion on Scope



In this case, the compiler misinterprets the scope, assuming the wrong namespace. It’s essential to explicitly access the intended scope.



Tip: When dealing with multiple namespaces or scopes, use the scope resolution operator (::) to specify the correct scope.




Be mindful of naming conflicts between different scopes



Solutions



Time to equip ourselves with solutions for these cases:



Case 1: Missing or Misspelled Class Name



Solution 1: Correct the Class Name



The simplest solution is to correct the class name when defining the shared pointer.



int main() {
    Delhiite person = new Delhiite(); // Corrected class name
    person.Greet();
    return 0;
}




Solution 2: Include the Header File



If the missing header file is the issue, make sure to include it.



#include "Delhiite.h" // Include the necessary header file

int main() {
    Delhiite person = new Delhiite();
    person.Greet();
    return 0;
}




Case 2: Defective Inclusion Guards



Solution: Match Inclusion Guards



Ensure that your #ifndef and #define statements match exactly.



#ifndef METRO_H
#define METRO_H // Match the names here
// Your code here
#endif




Case 3: Double Usage of Inclusion Guards



Solution: Use Unique Guards



In different directories or files, use unique inclusion guards to prevent conflicts.



Case 4: Template Misuse



Solution: Specify Template Parameter



When working with templates, explicitly specify the template parameter when creating instances.



int main() {
    Adventure  park; // Specify the template parameter
    return 0;
}




Case 5: Compiler Confusion on Scope



Solution: Use Scope Resolution Operator



To avoid scope confusion, use the scope resolution operator (::) to explicitly access the intended scope.



int main() {
    Delhi::Traffic traffic;
    traffic.Smooth(); // Explicitly specify the scope
    return 0;
}




Conclusion



We’ve solved “Expected type-specifier before classname” error, all while enjoying the flavours of Delhi’s diverse streets. Remember to check your class names, inclusion guards, template usage, scope resolutions, and naming conventions to overcome this error confidently. With these insights and solutions, you’ll navigate through your C++ coding adventure, much like an experienced traveller wandering Delhi’s neighbourhoods. Happy coding, and may your code shine as brilliantly as the lights of Delhi’s iconic landmarks at night!