The following C++ code: ######################################## class Klass { public: private: static void f(const char*& a, int b) {} };
int main (void) { char* x; Klass::f (x); } ######################################## Incorrectly produces the follow error message in GCC: main.cpp: In function int main(): main.cpp:13: error: no matching function for call to Klass::f(char*&) main.cpp:7: note: candidates are: static void Klass::f(const char*&, int) This is not correct because f() is not a valid candidate because it's private and can never be called from outside of Klass. The purpose of this error message is to help the end user understand why his function call is not accepted by GCC (usually it's because one of the types are wrong in the parameter list, which is why the provided and candidate parameters are printed in the first place). However, in this context the fact that f is private is also highly relevant. Basically this is very confusing, GCC should mention that the only candidate is private and that's why stuff won't compile. Alternatively, GCC should not claim that f() is a candidate at all, because in reality it's not a candidate because it's not callable. -- Summary: GCC lists private methods as candidates in "no matching function for call" Product: gcc Version: unknown Status: UNCONFIRMED Severity: normal Priority: P3 Component: c++ AssignedTo: unassigned at gcc dot gnu dot org ReportedBy: mnemo at minimum dot se http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=41575