C++: Why does my DerivedClass's constructor not have access to the BaseClass's protected field?

Question

I have a constructor attempting to initialize a field in a base class. The compiler complains. The field is protected, so derived classes should have access.

Answer 1

Your derived class constructor does have access, but you cannot assign to it in the initialisation list. Change the constructor to:

DerivedClass::DerivedClass(const std::string& data)
 : BaseClass(data)
{
}

Alternatively, if no suitable base class constructor is available and you cant add one you can change the constructor to:

DerivedClass::DerivedClass(const std::string& data)
{
    m_data = data;
}