Local Classes

A local class is declared within a function definition. The local class is in the scope of the enclosing function scope. Declarations in a local class can only use type names, enumerations, static variables from the enclosing scope, as well as external variables and functions.

Member functions of a local class have to be defined within their class definition. Member functions of a local class must be inline functions. Like all member functions, those defined within the scope of a local class do not need the keyword inline.

A local class cannot have static data members. In the following example , an attempt to define a static member of a local class causes an error :

void f()
{
    class local
    {
       int f();              // error, local class has noninline
                             // member function
       int g() {return 0;}   // valid, inline member function
       static int a;         // error, static is not allowed for
                             // local class
       int b;                // valid, nonstatic variable
    };
}
//      . . .

An enclosing function has no special access to members of the local class .

Scope of Class Names

Examples of Local Classes
Function Scope
Inline Member Functions
Inline Specifiers
Local Type Names