HOW TO use variable from all functions?

Question

For a little game I want to declare an int variable that is accessable and overwritable from any of my functions. How do I have to change the following minimal example for it to work and why?

===== code ====
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

void test() {
if(year<1900) {
cout << "Oldfashioned!" << endl ;
} else {
cout << "That was a mistake." << endl ;
}
};

int main() {
int year = 1880; // shall be accessable from every function
test();
return 0;
}

Answer 1

You could make a pass a pointer (or a memory address), like this:

(You can even edit the variable within the function.)

https://code.sololearn.com/cSxHTrOxEiD1/?ref=app

Answer 2

Hello blackcat, thanks for your suggestion. I use a pointer as the argument of a function sometimes, but I don't want to pass this variable on every occasion I use it. Do you / does someone have a more general idea?

Answer 3

You could declare "year" outside of any function definition. That should make it global (though I use the pointer way more often).

Answer 4

Thanks for that suggestion; I tried it and guess it worked. I now put all commands in a new class "game" where I defined the variable. This should make it accessable better. I'll try it and see how it works.