C++ Storage Classes

The storage class is used to specify control of two different properties: storage lifetime and scope(visibility) of variables.

Following storage classes can be used in a C++ Program:

• Automatic
• External
• Static
• Register
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• Table of Contents

  1. Automatic(auto) Storage Class

  2. The External Storage Class

  Automatic(auto) Storage Class

  Variable defined within the function body are called auto variable. The auto storage class is used to declare automatic variables, which is also called local variables.
  Example:

  auto int a, b, c = 100;

  is the same as:

  int a, b, c = 100;

  The External Storage Class

  External variables are defined outside of the function. Once External variable declared, the variable can be used in any line of codes throughout the rest of the program.
  The extern modifier is most commonly used when two or more C++ files are sharing the same global variables or functions.
  First File : main.cpp
  Example:

  #include <iostream>
  #include "file.cpp"
  int count ;
  extern void write_extern();
   
  main()
  {
     count = 5;
     write_extern();
     system("PAUSE");
  }

  Second File : file.cpp
  Example:

  #include <iostream>
  extern int count;
   
  void write_extern(void)
  {
     std::cout << "Count is " << count << std::endl;
  }

  Program Output: