This code should work...

Question

Here's the code:

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

class palpatine {
public:
string name = "Palpatine";
void lightning () {
cout << "ZZap" << endl;
}
};
class yoda {
public:
string name = "Yoda";
void lightSaber () {
cout << "Vrrroom sschllasshh" << endl;
}
};

int main() {

cout << "Player 1, choose a name" << endl;
string p1Name;
cin >> p1Name;
cout << "Player 1,choose a character" << endl;
int p1Choice;
cout << "Dark Side:" << endl << "1: Palpatine" << endl <<
"Light Side:" << endl << "2: Yoda" << endl;
cin >> p1Choice;
if (p1Choice == 1) {
palpatine p1;
}
else if (p1Choice == 2) {
yoda p1;
}
else {
cout << "Sorry" << endl;
}

cout << "Player 2, choose a name" << endl;
string p2Name;
cin >> p2Name;
cout << "Player 2,choose a character" << endl;
int p2Choice;
cout << "Dark Side:" << endl << "1: Palpatine" << endl <<
"Light Side:" << endl << "2: Yoda" << endl;
cin >> p2Choice;
if (p2Choice == 1) {
palpatine p2;
}
else if (p2Choice == 2) {
yoda p2;
}
else {
cout << "Sorry" << endl;
}

cout << p1Name << ": " << p1.name << endl <<
p2Name << ": " << p2.name << endl <<
"Fight!" << endl;

return 0;
}

It seems like it gives me the error because I try to use the class even though I haven't technically declared an object. I want to declare it when it actually runs and the user has given some input, which should work theoretically, but the compiler doesn't see it like that.
Any way I can get around this problem?
Thanks!

Answer 1

You need Polymorphism.

1. Your current code in code playground

https://code.sololearn.com/cj9aAJk5kCWQ/?ref=app

2. Current error message:

62:31 error: 'p1' was not declared in this scope.

p1 declared at either line 35 or line 38 belongs to the if-else code block and cannot be called at line 62. Solution is to declare at beginning of main()

3. Lesson to Polymorphism:
https://www.sololearn.com/learn/CPlusPlus/1910/

Lesson to virtual functions:
https://www.sololearn.com/learn/CPlusPlus/1911/

Lesson to pointers:
https://www.sololearn.com/learn/CPlusPlus/1631/

4. Corrected version :
https://code.sololearn.com/cWTxhT8WElO2/?ref=app