BUG: Destructor of Static Object Not Called on Exit

• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, versions 5.0, 6.0

SYMPTOMS

The destructor for static local variables in static objects may never be called. The destructor should be called when the program exits, but it does not get called. See the More Information section below for a specific example.

RESOLUTION

Avoid using this construct.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

The static local won't be destroyed if it is local to a destructor for which the only instance(s) of the destructor's class is static. If there are any local or heap allocated instances, the object will be destroyed (assuming delete is called for heap allocated instances).

The following code demonstrates the problem:

#include <iostream>

struct X {
	X() {std::cout << "constructor X" << std::endl;} 
	~X() {std::cout << "destructor X" << std::endl;} // destructor of X is never called.
};

struct Y {
   ~Y() {static X x;}
};

void main() {
   static Y y;
} 

Additional query words:

Keywords          : kbCompiler kbCPPonly kbVC500bug kbVC600bug kbDSupport kbGrpVCCompiler 
Version           : winnt:5.0,6.0
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbbug 

Last Reviewed: July 12, 1999