You receive a C2653 or C2039 error message when you try to reference a function from the STD C++ library (243444)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Learning Edition 6.0
This article was previously published under Q243444

SYMPTOMS

Attempting to reference a function from the STD C++ library header <cstdlib> using the namespace STD (for example, std::exit(0)) causes the compiler to emit a C2653 or a C2039 (depending upon whether or not namespace "STD" is defined at the point where the error is emitted).

CAUSE

<cstdlib> does not define the namespace "STD". This is contrary to the VC++ documentation, which says:

"Include the standard header <cstdlib> to effectively include the standard header <stdlib.h> within the std namespace."

RESOLUTION

To work around the problem, place the "#include <cstdlib>" in the namespace "STD".

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a bug in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

Attempting to compile the following will cause the compiler to display the following error:
"error C2653: 'std' : is not a class or namespace name" 
// Compile Options:  /GX
#include <cstdlib>

void main()
{
     std::exit(0);
}
However, attempting to compile the following causes the compiler to display the following error:
"error C2039: 'exit' : is not a member of 'std'" 
// Compile Options:  /GX
#include <vector>
#include <cstdlib>

void main()
{
     std::exit(0);
}

In the first case, the C2653 is displayed, because the namespace "STD" has not been defined. In the second case, the C2039 is displayed, because the namespace "STD" has been defined (in the header <vector>), but the function exit is not part of that namespace. To work around the problem in either case, simply enclose the "#include <cstdlib>" in the namespace "STD", as follows: 
// Compile Options:  /GX
namespace std {
#include <cstdlib>
};

void main()
{
     std::exit(0);
}
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/26/2005
Keywords:kberrmsg kbtshoot kbBug kbCompiler kbCPPonly kbpending KB243444 kbAudDeveloper
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.