Why can't I create a vector of lambdas (of the same type) in C++11?

Nawaz picture Nawaz · Sep 19, 2011 · Viewed 29.3k times · Source

I was trying to create a vector of lambda, but failed:

auto ignore = [&]() { return 10; };  //1
std::vector<decltype(ignore)> v;     //2
v.push_back([&]() { return 100; });  //3

Up to line #2, it compiles fine. But the line#3 gives compilation error:

error: no matching function for call to 'std::vector<main()::<lambda()>>::push_back(main()::<lambda()>)'

I don't want a vector of function pointers or vector of function objects. However, vector of function objects which encapsulate real lambda expressions, would work for me. Is this possible?

Answer

Puppy picture Puppy · Sep 19, 2011

Every lambda has a different type—even if they have the same signature. You must use a run-time encapsulating container such as std::function if you want to do something like that.

e.g.:

std::vector<std::function<int()>> functors;
functors.push_back([&] { return 100; });
functors.push_back([&] { return  10; });