annoying compile error!!! c++

[rjfioravanti]

Hey guys, I have been scratching my head on this one for a while... and I can't figure it out. Please take a look and let me know what you think

Fraction.cpp


// output on stdout
ostream& operator<< (ostream& out, const Fraction& a) {

out << a.numerator << "/" << a.denominator ;
return out;
}


Fraction.h


private:

// variables for saving the numerator and denominator
int numerator, denominator;

// output on stdout
friend ostream& operator<< (ostream&, Fraction&);


when I do

gcc Fraction.cpp

I get



gcc -c Fraction.cpp
Fraction.h: In function ‘std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream&, const Fraction&)’:
Fraction.h:39: error: ‘int Fraction::numerator’ is private
Fraction.cpp:67: error: within this context
Fraction.h:39: error: ‘int Fraction::denominator’ is private
Fraction.cpp:67: error: within this context
make: *** [Fraction.o] Error 1


What is going on!!!

[jordanmthomas]

Is it not an option to put your overloaded << in Fraction.h?

Move it from Fraction.cpp to Fraction.h and it should work.
As the error says, numerator and denominator are private and may only be accessed by functions that are either friends or are in Fraction.h. So, you have a few options I guess.

[g3k0]

I generally use g++ with cpp files.....

[jordanmthomas]

Ooh, that too. :rolleyes:

[GeneralZod]

friend ostream& operator<< (ostream&, const Fraction&);

[rjfioravanti]

ahhh thank you general zod you fixed all my problems!