How to Initialize Data Members in C++ From C++11 untill C++20.png

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cpp20

Throughout this course, you will learn all the options to initialize data members in C++ using a simpler syntax and safer code. More specifically, in this mini course you will learn non-static data member initialization, inline variables, designated initializers, and more. Additionally, you’ll see the changes and new techniques from C++11 to C++20 to really round out your understanding.

Initializing Data Members: From C++11 till C++20

## Motivation for inline variables
In C++11/14, if you wanted to add a static data member to a class, you needed to declare it and define it in a corresponding CPP file.
```
For example:

// a header file:
struct OtherType {
    static int classCounter;

    // ...
};

// implementation, cpp file
int OtherType::classCounter = 0;
```
As you can see above, `classCounter` is an `int` and you have to write it twice: in a header file and then in the CPP file.

# Motivation for inline variables
In C++11/14, if you wanted to add a static data member to a class, you needed to declare it and define it in a corresponding CPP file.
```
For example:

// a header file:
struct OtherType {
    static int classCounter;

    // ...
};

// implementation, cpp file
int OtherType::classCounter = 0;
```
As you can see above, `classCounter` is an `int` and you have to write it twice: in a header file and then in the CPP file.

In this lesson, you’ll see how to enhance and simplify code using inline variables from C++17.

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Static Inline Variables in C++17

Motivation for inline variables