What are undeclared identifier errors? What are common causes and how do I fix them?
Example error texts:
For the Visual Studio compiler: error C2065: 'cout' : undeclared identifier
For the GCC compiler: 'cout' undeclared (first use in this function)
They most often come from forgetting to include the header file that contains the function declaration, for example, this program will give an 'undeclared identifier' error:
Missing header
int main() {
std::cout << "Hello world!" << std::endl;
return 0;
}
To fix it, we must include the header:
#include <iostream>
int main() {
std::cout << "Hello world!" << std::endl;
return 0;
}
If you wrote the header and included it correctly, the header may contain the wrong include guard.
To read more, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa229215(v=vs.60).aspx.
Misspelled variable
Another common source of beginner's error occur when you misspelled a variable:
int main() {
int aComplicatedName;
AComplicatedName = 1; /* mind the uppercase A */
return 0;
}
Incorrect scope
For example, this code would give an error, because you need to use std::string:
#include <string>
int main() {
std::string s1 = "Hello"; // Correct.
string s2 = "world"; // WRONG - would give error.
}
Use before declaration
void f() { g(); }
void g() { }
g has not been declared before its first use. To fix it, either move the definition of g before f:
void g() { }
void f() { g(); }
Or add a declaration of g before f:
void g(); // declaration
void f() { g(); }
void g() { } // definition
stdafx.h not on top (VS-specific)
This is Visual Studio-specific. In VS, you need to add #include "stdafx.h" before any code. Code before it is ignored by the compiler, so if you have this:
#include <iostream>
#include "stdafx.h"
The #include <iostream> would be ignored. You need to move it below:
#include "stdafx.h"
#include <iostream>
Feel free to edit this answer.
Consider a similar situation in conversation. Imagine your friend says to you, "Bob is coming over for dinner," and you have no idea who Bob is. You're going to be confused, right? Your friend should have said, "I have a work colleague called Bob. Bob is coming over for dinner." Now Bob has been declared and you know who your friend is talking about.
The compiler emits an 'undeclared identifier' error when you have attempted to use some identifier (what would be the name of a function, variable, class, etc.) and the compiler has not seen a declaration for it. That is, the compiler has no idea what you are referring to because it hasn't seen it before.
If you get such an error in C or C++, it means that you haven't told the compiler about the thing you are trying to use. Declarations are often found in header files, so it likely means that you haven't included the appropriate header. Of course, it may be that you just haven't remembered to declare the entity at all.
Some compilers give more specific errors depending on the context. For example, attempting to compile X x; where the type X has not been declared with clang will tell you "unknown type name X". This is much more useful because you know it's trying to interpret X as a type. However, if you have int x = y;, where y is not yet declared, it will tell you "use of undeclared identifier y" because there is some ambiguity about what exactly y might represent.
In C and C++ all names have to be declared before they are used. If you try to use the name of a variable or a function that hasn't been declared you will get an "undeclared identifier" error.
However, functions are a special case in C (and in C only) in that you don't have to declare them first. The C compiler will the assume the function exists with the number and type of arguments as in the call. If the actual function definition does not match that you will get another error. This special case for functions does not exist in C++.
You fix these kind of errors by making sure that functions and variables are declared before they are used. In the case of printf you need to include the header file <stdio.h> (or <cstdio> in C++).
For standard functions, I recommend you check e.g. this reference site, and search for the functions you want to use. The documentation for each function tells you what header file you need.
I had the same problem with a custom class, which was defined in a namespace. I tried to use the class without the namespace, causing the compiler error "identifier "MyClass" is undefined".
Adding
using namespace <MyNamespace>
or using the class like
MyNamespace::MyClass myClass;
solved the problem.
These error meassages
1.For the Visual Studio compiler: error C2065: 'printf' : undeclared identifier
2.For the GCC compiler: `printf' undeclared (first use in this function)
mean that you use name printf but the compiler does not see where the name was declared and accordingly does not know what it means.
Any name used in a program shall be declared before its using. The compiler has to know what the name denotes.
In this particular case the compiler does not see the declaration of name printf . As we know (but not the compiler) it is the name of standard C function declared in header <stdio.h> in C or in header <cstdio> in C++ and placed in standard (std::) and global (::) (not necessarily) name spaces.
So before using this function we have to provide its name declaration to the compiler by including corresponding headers.
For example
C:
#include <stdio.h>
int main( void )
{
printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
C++:
#include <cstdio>
int main()
{
std::printf( "Hello World\n" );
// or printf( "Hello World\n" );
// or ::printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
Sometimes the reason of such an error is a simple typo. For example let's assume that you defined function PrintHello
void PrintHello()
{
std::printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
but in main you made a typo and instead of PrintHello you typed printHello with lower case letter 'p'.
#include <cstdio>
void PrintHello()
{
std::printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
int main()
{
printHello();
}
In this case the compiler will issue such an error because it does not see the declaration of name printHello. PrintHello and printHello are two different names one of which was declared and other was not declared but used in the body of main
It happened to me when the auto formatter in a visual studio project sorted my includes after which the pre compiled header was not the first include anymore.
In other words. If you have any of these:
#include "pch.h"
or
#include <stdio.h>
or
#include <iostream>
#include "stdafx.h"
Put it at the start of your file.
If your clang formatter is sorting the files automatically, try putting an enter after the pre compiled header. If it is on IBS_Preserve it will sort each #include block separately.
#include "pch.h" // must be first
#include "bar.h" // next block
#include "baz.h"
#include "foo.h"
More info at
Compiler Error C2065
A C++ identifier is a name used to identify a variable, function, class, module, or any other user-defined item. In C++ all names have to be declared before they are used. If you try to use the name of a such that hasn't been declared you will get an "undeclared identifier" compile-error.
According to the documentation, the declaration of printf() is in cstdio i.e. you have to include it, before using the function.
Another possible situation: accessing parent (a template class) member in a template class.
Fix method: using the parent class member by its full name (by prefixing this-> or parentClassName:: to the name of the member).
see: templates: parent class member variables not visible in inherited class
one more case where this issue can occur,
if(a==b)
double c;
getValue(c);
here, the value is declared in a condition and then used outside it.
It is like Using the function without declaring it. header file will contain the
function printf(). Include the header file in your program this is the solution for that.
Some user defined functions may also through error when not declared before using it. If
it is used globally no probs.
Most of the time, if you are very sure you imported the library in question, Visual Studio will guide you with IntelliSense.
Here is what worked for me:
Make sure that #include "stdafx.h" is declared first, that is, at the top of all of your includes.
Every undeclared variable in c error comes because the compiler is not able to find it in the project. One can include the external (header) file of the library in which the variable is defined. Hence in your question, you require <stdio.h>, that is a standard input output file, which describes printf(), functionality.
According to the documentation, the declaration of fprintf() is in i.e. you have to include it, before using the function.
Check if you are importing the same packages in your .m and in your .h
Example given: I had this very problem with the init method and it was caused by missing the "#import " on the .m file
Related
I just feel weird about how does that work ?
That my first time that I've ever seen that , two c++ files located in the same directory "Test1.cpp,Test2.cpp"
Test1.cpp :
#include <iostream>
void magic();
int main(){
magic();
return 0;
}
Test2.cpp :
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
void magic(){
cout << "That's not a magic , it's a logical thing.." << endl;
}
As I mentioned above , they are in the same directory , with prototype of 'magic' function.
Now my question is , how does magic work without any inclusion of Test2.cpp ?
Does C++ include it by default ? if that's true , then why do we need to include our classes ? why do we need header file while cpp file can does its purpose ?
In order to obtain an executable from a C++ source code two main phases are required:
compilation phase;
linking phase.
The first one searches only for the signature of the functions and check if the function call is compatible with the found declarations.
The second one searches the implementation of the function among the libraries or objects linked through the options specified through command line of the linker (some compilers can automatically run the linker adding some command line options).
So you need to understand the compiler and linker options in order to understand this process.
The main catch of headers file is simplifying writing of code.
Let's think about next example:
test2.cpp
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
void my ()
{ magic(); } // here we don't know what magic() is and compiler will complain
void magic(){
cout << "That's not a magic , it's a logical thing.." << endl;
}
This code gives next error:
gaal#linux-t420:~/Downloads> g++ test2.cpp
test2.cpp: In function ‘void my()’:
test2.cpp:6:9: error: ‘magic’ was not declared in this scope
{ magic(); } // here we don't know what magic() is and compiler will complain
^
To avoid this error we need to place declaration of magic() function before definition of my(). So it is good idea to place ALL declarations in one place. Header file is a such place. If we don't use headers, we'll need to paste declaration of magic() function in any cpp-file where it will be used.
Please note, that I did add a header file strutils.h, also I copied this file in the project. strutils.cpp was added to the Source Files and was also copied into the Project folder.
**The Error I receive is as follows: error C2039: 'ToLower' : is not a member of 'std::basic_string<_Elem,_Traits,_Alloc>'
**
I started the code following the book Computer Science Tapestry by Astrachan, I did check the book several times, but no result on my part. (The library strutils does include ToLower() function)
I feel that I am missing something very simple.
Below is my code.
#ifndef _STRUTILS_H
#define _STRUTILS_H
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
#include "strutils.h"
using namespace std;
int main()
{
string boot = "Drimmnal";
boot.ToLower();
cin.ignore();
cin.get();
return 0;
}
#endif
The function you are trying to use is not a member function of the Standard Library std::string class so you can't call it by saying boot.ToLower(). That syntax is reserved for member functions.
This function is provided in the support materials for your book. It has a signature of void ToLower(string & s);. It's a free function that takes a std::string by reference and, I assume, changes the string in place. You'll want to call it like any other free function and pass it a std::string variable.
Change:
boot.ToLower();
To:
ToLower(boot);
In addition, you want to remove the following lines from your source code:
#ifndef _STRUTILS_H
#define _STRUTILS_H
and
#endif
These lines are include guards from the strutils.h file and I'm not sure why they are in your source file.
This error is present when compiling against Visual C++ 2003 through 2013. It is not present when compiling against g++ 4.9.2.
#include <ios>
int main() {
left(*(new std::string));
return 0;
}
The problem is that it reports some some error about the arguments. The result I expect is for it to say "identifier not found" because std::left() should be out of scope!
Example of copied inline function:
STD_BEGIN
inline std::ios_base& __CLRCALL_OR_CDECL left2(std::ios_base& _Iosbase) {
_Iosbase.setf(std::ios_base::left, std::ios_base::adjustfield);
return (_Iosbase);
}
_STD_END
I examined ios and found that it's an inline function. I copied it out, stuck it into the std namespace using the same macros, and gave it a new name. But the new function is out of scope?
So why is std::left() and std::right() in scope here?
Argument dependent lookup will consider function overloads in a namespace, if one or more arguments have a type that's also in that namespace. In this case, the argument type is std::string, so namespace std is considered when looking for overloads, and std::left is found.
By the way, never write *new in real code; it almost invariably causes a memory leak.
What are undeclared identifier errors? What are common causes and how do I fix them?
Example error texts:
For the Visual Studio compiler: error C2065: 'cout' : undeclared identifier
For the GCC compiler: 'cout' undeclared (first use in this function)
They most often come from forgetting to include the header file that contains the function declaration, for example, this program will give an 'undeclared identifier' error:
Missing header
int main() {
std::cout << "Hello world!" << std::endl;
return 0;
}
To fix it, we must include the header:
#include <iostream>
int main() {
std::cout << "Hello world!" << std::endl;
return 0;
}
If you wrote the header and included it correctly, the header may contain the wrong include guard.
To read more, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa229215(v=vs.60).aspx.
Misspelled variable
Another common source of beginner's error occur when you misspelled a variable:
int main() {
int aComplicatedName;
AComplicatedName = 1; /* mind the uppercase A */
return 0;
}
Incorrect scope
For example, this code would give an error, because you need to use std::string:
#include <string>
int main() {
std::string s1 = "Hello"; // Correct.
string s2 = "world"; // WRONG - would give error.
}
Use before declaration
void f() { g(); }
void g() { }
g has not been declared before its first use. To fix it, either move the definition of g before f:
void g() { }
void f() { g(); }
Or add a declaration of g before f:
void g(); // declaration
void f() { g(); }
void g() { } // definition
stdafx.h not on top (VS-specific)
This is Visual Studio-specific. In VS, you need to add #include "stdafx.h" before any code. Code before it is ignored by the compiler, so if you have this:
#include <iostream>
#include "stdafx.h"
The #include <iostream> would be ignored. You need to move it below:
#include "stdafx.h"
#include <iostream>
Feel free to edit this answer.
Consider a similar situation in conversation. Imagine your friend says to you, "Bob is coming over for dinner," and you have no idea who Bob is. You're going to be confused, right? Your friend should have said, "I have a work colleague called Bob. Bob is coming over for dinner." Now Bob has been declared and you know who your friend is talking about.
The compiler emits an 'undeclared identifier' error when you have attempted to use some identifier (what would be the name of a function, variable, class, etc.) and the compiler has not seen a declaration for it. That is, the compiler has no idea what you are referring to because it hasn't seen it before.
If you get such an error in C or C++, it means that you haven't told the compiler about the thing you are trying to use. Declarations are often found in header files, so it likely means that you haven't included the appropriate header. Of course, it may be that you just haven't remembered to declare the entity at all.
Some compilers give more specific errors depending on the context. For example, attempting to compile X x; where the type X has not been declared with clang will tell you "unknown type name X". This is much more useful because you know it's trying to interpret X as a type. However, if you have int x = y;, where y is not yet declared, it will tell you "use of undeclared identifier y" because there is some ambiguity about what exactly y might represent.
In C and C++ all names have to be declared before they are used. If you try to use the name of a variable or a function that hasn't been declared you will get an "undeclared identifier" error.
However, functions are a special case in C (and in C only) in that you don't have to declare them first. The C compiler will the assume the function exists with the number and type of arguments as in the call. If the actual function definition does not match that you will get another error. This special case for functions does not exist in C++.
You fix these kind of errors by making sure that functions and variables are declared before they are used. In the case of printf you need to include the header file <stdio.h> (or <cstdio> in C++).
For standard functions, I recommend you check e.g. this reference site, and search for the functions you want to use. The documentation for each function tells you what header file you need.
I had the same problem with a custom class, which was defined in a namespace. I tried to use the class without the namespace, causing the compiler error "identifier "MyClass" is undefined".
Adding
using namespace <MyNamespace>
or using the class like
MyNamespace::MyClass myClass;
solved the problem.
These error meassages
1.For the Visual Studio compiler: error C2065: 'printf' : undeclared identifier
2.For the GCC compiler: `printf' undeclared (first use in this function)
mean that you use name printf but the compiler does not see where the name was declared and accordingly does not know what it means.
Any name used in a program shall be declared before its using. The compiler has to know what the name denotes.
In this particular case the compiler does not see the declaration of name printf . As we know (but not the compiler) it is the name of standard C function declared in header <stdio.h> in C or in header <cstdio> in C++ and placed in standard (std::) and global (::) (not necessarily) name spaces.
So before using this function we have to provide its name declaration to the compiler by including corresponding headers.
For example
C:
#include <stdio.h>
int main( void )
{
printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
C++:
#include <cstdio>
int main()
{
std::printf( "Hello World\n" );
// or printf( "Hello World\n" );
// or ::printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
Sometimes the reason of such an error is a simple typo. For example let's assume that you defined function PrintHello
void PrintHello()
{
std::printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
but in main you made a typo and instead of PrintHello you typed printHello with lower case letter 'p'.
#include <cstdio>
void PrintHello()
{
std::printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
int main()
{
printHello();
}
In this case the compiler will issue such an error because it does not see the declaration of name printHello. PrintHello and printHello are two different names one of which was declared and other was not declared but used in the body of main
It happened to me when the auto formatter in a visual studio project sorted my includes after which the pre compiled header was not the first include anymore.
In other words. If you have any of these:
#include "pch.h"
or
#include <stdio.h>
or
#include <iostream>
#include "stdafx.h"
Put it at the start of your file.
If your clang formatter is sorting the files automatically, try putting an enter after the pre compiled header. If it is on IBS_Preserve it will sort each #include block separately.
#include "pch.h" // must be first
#include "bar.h" // next block
#include "baz.h"
#include "foo.h"
More info at
Compiler Error C2065
A C++ identifier is a name used to identify a variable, function, class, module, or any other user-defined item. In C++ all names have to be declared before they are used. If you try to use the name of a such that hasn't been declared you will get an "undeclared identifier" compile-error.
According to the documentation, the declaration of printf() is in cstdio i.e. you have to include it, before using the function.
Another possible situation: accessing parent (a template class) member in a template class.
Fix method: using the parent class member by its full name (by prefixing this-> or parentClassName:: to the name of the member).
see: templates: parent class member variables not visible in inherited class
one more case where this issue can occur,
if(a==b)
double c;
getValue(c);
here, the value is declared in a condition and then used outside it.
It is like Using the function without declaring it. header file will contain the
function printf(). Include the header file in your program this is the solution for that.
Some user defined functions may also through error when not declared before using it. If
it is used globally no probs.
Most of the time, if you are very sure you imported the library in question, Visual Studio will guide you with IntelliSense.
Here is what worked for me:
Make sure that #include "stdafx.h" is declared first, that is, at the top of all of your includes.
Every undeclared variable in c error comes because the compiler is not able to find it in the project. One can include the external (header) file of the library in which the variable is defined. Hence in your question, you require <stdio.h>, that is a standard input output file, which describes printf(), functionality.
According to the documentation, the declaration of fprintf() is in i.e. you have to include it, before using the function.
Check if you are importing the same packages in your .m and in your .h
Example given: I had this very problem with the init method and it was caused by missing the "#import " on the .m file
What are undeclared identifier errors? What are common causes and how do I fix them?
Example error texts:
For the Visual Studio compiler: error C2065: 'cout' : undeclared identifier
For the GCC compiler: 'cout' undeclared (first use in this function)
They most often come from forgetting to include the header file that contains the function declaration, for example, this program will give an 'undeclared identifier' error:
Missing header
int main() {
std::cout << "Hello world!" << std::endl;
return 0;
}
To fix it, we must include the header:
#include <iostream>
int main() {
std::cout << "Hello world!" << std::endl;
return 0;
}
If you wrote the header and included it correctly, the header may contain the wrong include guard.
To read more, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa229215(v=vs.60).aspx.
Misspelled variable
Another common source of beginner's error occur when you misspelled a variable:
int main() {
int aComplicatedName;
AComplicatedName = 1; /* mind the uppercase A */
return 0;
}
Incorrect scope
For example, this code would give an error, because you need to use std::string:
#include <string>
int main() {
std::string s1 = "Hello"; // Correct.
string s2 = "world"; // WRONG - would give error.
}
Use before declaration
void f() { g(); }
void g() { }
g has not been declared before its first use. To fix it, either move the definition of g before f:
void g() { }
void f() { g(); }
Or add a declaration of g before f:
void g(); // declaration
void f() { g(); }
void g() { } // definition
stdafx.h not on top (VS-specific)
This is Visual Studio-specific. In VS, you need to add #include "stdafx.h" before any code. Code before it is ignored by the compiler, so if you have this:
#include <iostream>
#include "stdafx.h"
The #include <iostream> would be ignored. You need to move it below:
#include "stdafx.h"
#include <iostream>
Feel free to edit this answer.
Consider a similar situation in conversation. Imagine your friend says to you, "Bob is coming over for dinner," and you have no idea who Bob is. You're going to be confused, right? Your friend should have said, "I have a work colleague called Bob. Bob is coming over for dinner." Now Bob has been declared and you know who your friend is talking about.
The compiler emits an 'undeclared identifier' error when you have attempted to use some identifier (what would be the name of a function, variable, class, etc.) and the compiler has not seen a declaration for it. That is, the compiler has no idea what you are referring to because it hasn't seen it before.
If you get such an error in C or C++, it means that you haven't told the compiler about the thing you are trying to use. Declarations are often found in header files, so it likely means that you haven't included the appropriate header. Of course, it may be that you just haven't remembered to declare the entity at all.
Some compilers give more specific errors depending on the context. For example, attempting to compile X x; where the type X has not been declared with clang will tell you "unknown type name X". This is much more useful because you know it's trying to interpret X as a type. However, if you have int x = y;, where y is not yet declared, it will tell you "use of undeclared identifier y" because there is some ambiguity about what exactly y might represent.
In C and C++ all names have to be declared before they are used. If you try to use the name of a variable or a function that hasn't been declared you will get an "undeclared identifier" error.
However, functions are a special case in C (and in C only) in that you don't have to declare them first. The C compiler will the assume the function exists with the number and type of arguments as in the call. If the actual function definition does not match that you will get another error. This special case for functions does not exist in C++.
You fix these kind of errors by making sure that functions and variables are declared before they are used. In the case of printf you need to include the header file <stdio.h> (or <cstdio> in C++).
For standard functions, I recommend you check e.g. this reference site, and search for the functions you want to use. The documentation for each function tells you what header file you need.
I had the same problem with a custom class, which was defined in a namespace. I tried to use the class without the namespace, causing the compiler error "identifier "MyClass" is undefined".
Adding
using namespace <MyNamespace>
or using the class like
MyNamespace::MyClass myClass;
solved the problem.
These error meassages
1.For the Visual Studio compiler: error C2065: 'printf' : undeclared identifier
2.For the GCC compiler: `printf' undeclared (first use in this function)
mean that you use name printf but the compiler does not see where the name was declared and accordingly does not know what it means.
Any name used in a program shall be declared before its using. The compiler has to know what the name denotes.
In this particular case the compiler does not see the declaration of name printf . As we know (but not the compiler) it is the name of standard C function declared in header <stdio.h> in C or in header <cstdio> in C++ and placed in standard (std::) and global (::) (not necessarily) name spaces.
So before using this function we have to provide its name declaration to the compiler by including corresponding headers.
For example
C:
#include <stdio.h>
int main( void )
{
printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
C++:
#include <cstdio>
int main()
{
std::printf( "Hello World\n" );
// or printf( "Hello World\n" );
// or ::printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
Sometimes the reason of such an error is a simple typo. For example let's assume that you defined function PrintHello
void PrintHello()
{
std::printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
but in main you made a typo and instead of PrintHello you typed printHello with lower case letter 'p'.
#include <cstdio>
void PrintHello()
{
std::printf( "Hello World\n" );
}
int main()
{
printHello();
}
In this case the compiler will issue such an error because it does not see the declaration of name printHello. PrintHello and printHello are two different names one of which was declared and other was not declared but used in the body of main
It happened to me when the auto formatter in a visual studio project sorted my includes after which the pre compiled header was not the first include anymore.
In other words. If you have any of these:
#include "pch.h"
or
#include <stdio.h>
or
#include <iostream>
#include "stdafx.h"
Put it at the start of your file.
If your clang formatter is sorting the files automatically, try putting an enter after the pre compiled header. If it is on IBS_Preserve it will sort each #include block separately.
#include "pch.h" // must be first
#include "bar.h" // next block
#include "baz.h"
#include "foo.h"
More info at
Compiler Error C2065
A C++ identifier is a name used to identify a variable, function, class, module, or any other user-defined item. In C++ all names have to be declared before they are used. If you try to use the name of a such that hasn't been declared you will get an "undeclared identifier" compile-error.
According to the documentation, the declaration of printf() is in cstdio i.e. you have to include it, before using the function.
Another possible situation: accessing parent (a template class) member in a template class.
Fix method: using the parent class member by its full name (by prefixing this-> or parentClassName:: to the name of the member).
see: templates: parent class member variables not visible in inherited class
one more case where this issue can occur,
if(a==b)
double c;
getValue(c);
here, the value is declared in a condition and then used outside it.
It is like Using the function without declaring it. header file will contain the
function printf(). Include the header file in your program this is the solution for that.
Some user defined functions may also through error when not declared before using it. If
it is used globally no probs.
Most of the time, if you are very sure you imported the library in question, Visual Studio will guide you with IntelliSense.
Here is what worked for me:
Make sure that #include "stdafx.h" is declared first, that is, at the top of all of your includes.
Every undeclared variable in c error comes because the compiler is not able to find it in the project. One can include the external (header) file of the library in which the variable is defined. Hence in your question, you require <stdio.h>, that is a standard input output file, which describes printf(), functionality.
According to the documentation, the declaration of fprintf() is in i.e. you have to include it, before using the function.
Check if you are importing the same packages in your .m and in your .h
Example given: I had this very problem with the init method and it was caused by missing the "#import " on the .m file