Is it possible to define type alias to constexpr function

Question

In C++11 or C++14, I'm trying to define a type alias to a constexpr function.

I tried:

#include <iostream>
constexpr int foo(int i, int j) { return i + j; }
using TConstExprFunction  = constexpr int (*)(int i, int j);

int main() {
  TConstExprFunction f = foo;
  constexpr int i = f(1, 2);
  std::cout << i << std::endl;
}

But it fails to compile with g++ and clang++.

g++: error: expected type-specifier before 'constexpr'

clang++: error: type name does not allow constexpr specifier to be specified

I have to do as below to make it compile

#include <iostream>
constexpr int foo(int i, int j) { return i + j; }
using TConstExprFunction  = int (*)(int i, int j);

int main() {
  constexpr TConstExprFunction f = foo;
  constexpr int i = f(1, 2);
  std::cout << i << std::endl;
}

From clang++'s error message, it seems I can NOT using constexpr for type name.

So, is it possible to define a type alias to a constexpr function; If yes, how?

Answer 1

According to the C++ standard 7.1.5/p8 The constexpr specifier [dcl.constexpr] (Emphasis Mine):

The constexpr specifier has no effect on the type of a constexpr function or a constexpr constructor.

Also from 7 Declarations [dcl.dcl]:

alias-declaration:
using identifier attribute-specifier-seqopt = defining-type-id ;

constexpr specifier is not part of a function's type. Consequently, you can't do:

using TConstExprFunction  = constexpr int (*)(int i, int j);

Since after a using TConstExprFunction = a type is expected.

Answer 2

You cannot define a type alias to a constexpr function.