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Hey guys. I'm having some issues with my Visual Studio 2008 Pro. I'm trying to compile the following code, included in the link but, whenever I try compiling the code, I get like 5 erros: The errors are listed below.

Why is it that moving certain declarations around changes and/or removes erros?

The errors are as outlined below:

1>------ Build started: Project: brute, Configuration: Debug Win32 ------
1>Compiling...
1>main.cpp
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.cpp(15) : error C3861: 'strcpy': identifier not found
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.cpp(24) : error C3861: 'strcmp': identifier not found
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.cpp(34) : error C3861: 'strcmp': identifier not found
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.cpp(44) : error C3861: 'strcmp': identifier not found
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.cpp(54) : error C3861: 'strcmp': identifier not found
1>Build log was saved at "file://c:\Users\ProgrammerX\Documents\Visual Studio 2008\Projects\brute\brute\Debug\BuildLog.htm"
1>brute - 5 error(s), 0 warning(s)
========== Build: 0 succeeded, 1 failed, 0 up-to-date, 0 skipped ==========

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Dani AI

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Short version: the compiler is treating your file as C, and Visual C++ in VS2008 expects older C (no C99 mixed declarations), so C++-style loop declarations and a missing/ misplaced semicolon will trigger a cascade of syntax errors. The replies already on the thread point you in the right directions — the real fix is to make the compiler and the code agree, then fix the first real syntax error and recompile.

Checklist of practical fixes (in order)

  • Confirm how the file is being compiled: .c files -> C compiler, .cpp -> C++ compiler. If you intended C++, rename the file to .cpp or force C++ compilation (Project → Properties → C/C++ → Advanced → Compile As → “Compile as C++ (/TP)”).

  • If you must compile as C (VS2008 C compiler), write C89-style code: put all declarations at the start of a block (declare loop counters before the loop). Example:

    int main(void) {
    int i;
    for (i = 97; i <= 122; ++i) {
        /* ... */
    }
}

  • Fix the first real error reported in the build log — later errors are usually just fallout. Look at the line before the reported error line for a missing semicolon or stray brace, as suggested.

Dealing with string functions and the VC warnings

  • If you are using C functions like strcpy, include the proper header (string.h for C, <cstring> for C++) and either switch to the safer secure functions (strcpy_s) or silence the deprecation: add _CRT_SECURE_NO_WARNINGS to your Preprocessor Definitions (Project → Properties → C/C++ → Preprocessor) or add #define _CRT_SECURE_NO_WARNINGS before your includes. highlighted the deprecation message; prefer safer APIs where appropriate.

If you want modern C99 features instead of rewriting code, consider compiling with a C99-capable compiler (GCC/MinGW, clang) or moving to a newer toolchain — VS2008 does not implement full C99. Follow these steps and fix the earliest syntax error first; most of the 40 errors you saw will disappear once the first one is resolved.

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Member Avatar for gerard4143

Is this a C or Cpp progect? If its a C project try including the string.h header.

Member Avatar for MVB

Thanks, I added string.h; it cleared up my strcpy() problem, but now I'm getting about 40 errors, which include stuff like:
1>------ Build started: Project: brute, Configuration: Debug Win32 ------
1>Compiling...
1>main.c
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(16) : warning C4996: 'strcpy': This function or variable may be unsafe. Consider using strcpy_s instead. To disable deprecation, use _CRT_SECURE_NO_WARNINGS. See online help for details.
1> c:\program files\microsoft visual studio 9.0\vc\include\string.h(74) : see declaration of 'strcpy'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(21) : error C2143: syntax error : missing ';' before 'type'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(21) : error C2143: syntax error : missing ';' before 'type'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(21) : error C2143: syntax error : missing ')' before 'type'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(21) : error C2143: syntax error : missing ';' before 'type'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(21) : error C2065: 'i' : undeclared identifier
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(21) : error C2065: 'i' : undeclared identifier
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(21) : error C2065: 'i' : undeclared identifier
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(21) : error C2059: syntax error : ')'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(22) : error C2143: syntax error : missing ';' before '{'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(23) : error C2065: 'i' : undeclared identifier
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(31) : error C2143: syntax error : missing ';' before 'type'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(31) : error C2143: syntax error : missing ';' before 'type'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(31) : error C2143: syntax error : missing ')' before 'type'
1>c:\users\programmerx\documents\visual studio 2008\projects\brute\brute\main.c(31) : error C2143: syntax error : missing ';' before 'type'

Member Avatar for WaltP

First warning: disable deprecation, use _CRT_SECURE_NO_WARNINGS. See online help for details. You don't care that VC doesn't like strcpy so turn the error off.

Next error: look on line 21 and before for the missing ';'

Member Avatar for MVB

First warning: disable deprecation, use _CRT_SECURE_NO_WARNINGS. See online help for details. You don't care that VC doesn't like strcpy so turn the error off.

Next error: look on line 21 and before for the missing ';'

I've tried and I really don't see any lines missing a ';'....

Member Avatar for WaltP

Well what can we say? Our crystal balls must be on the fritz. You might have to help us see your problem...

Member Avatar for thomas_naveen

Looks like your paste has expired.

Why don't you copy and paste the code here itself?

Member Avatar for Banfa

Next error: look on line 21 and before for the missing ';'

Or with errors of that nature (missing X before Y) look on the first line of code before the line given, 21 in this case particularly if Y is the first thing on the error line.

Edited by Banfa because: n/a
Member Avatar for Salem

> Looks like your paste has expired.
No it hasn't, the OP just can't paste URLs properly. Delete the trailing ;

> for(int i = 97; i >= 97 && i <= 122; i++)
Assuming you're compiling this as C, then the int declaration inside the for loop is NOT supported.
This is a C++ feature, or a C99 feature.
Since you're using m$, you're never going to get a C99 compiler.

Declare i at the start of the block, old-school style.

commented: Good catch!! +1
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