C++11 brings a lot of improvements over C++98. In C++98, two consecutive right-angle brackets (>>) give an error, and these constructions are treated according to the C++11 standard which means CLANG compilers no longer generate an error about right angle brackets. In this post, we explain this and how to solve the right-angle bracket problem in C++.

What is the right-angle bracket problem in C++?

Ever since the introduction of angle brackets in C++98, C++ developers have been surprised by the fact that two consecutive right-angle brackets must be separated by whitespace. For example, if you declare two-dimensional vector (int and bool) as below:

In C++98, the first declaration is OK, but the second declaration give errors because of ‘>>‘ (right angle brackets). However, both are OK in C++11 and above.

One of the problems was an immediate consequence of the “maximum munch” principle and the fact that >> is a valid token (right shift) in C++. In the CLANG-enhanced C++ compilers, two consecutive right-angle brackets no longer generate an error, and these constructions are treated according to the C++11 standard.

This issue was a minor issue in C++98, but persisting, annoying, and somewhat embarrassing problem. The cost was reasonable, and it seems therefore worthwhile to eliminate the surprise. C++98 developers needed to add space between them. If you want to get more information, you can see details here.

How can I solve the right-angle bracket problem in C++?

If you have C++98 compiler and come across the right-angle bracket problem, you need to add space between two ‘>’ right angle brackets. ‘>>’ should be written as ‘> >’ as shown in the example below.

Or you should change your C++ compiler so that it supports C++11 or above. C++17 is recommended. Note that the latest RAD Studio, C++ Builder standard and CLANG compilers supports C++17 features.

What is the right-angle bracket support in C++ 11?

In the Clang-enhanced C++ compilers, two consecutive right-angle brackets no longer generate an error, and these constructions are treated according to the C++11 standard.
This example below with ‘>>’ right angle brackets can be successfully compiled with any compiler that supports C++11 and above.

For more information, see the C++11 proposal document at Right Angle Brackets Proposal document

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