c++ - Function call is giving me the error expression must have class type -

i have made function call in simple terms, displays content of list have values for. here function definition:

void display_list(list<string>*type_list) {     cout << "you made function call" << endl;     (list<string>::iterator dis = type_list.begin(); dis != type_list.end(); ++dis)     {         cout << *dis;         cout << "\n";     } } 

all supposed make easier on me, because there numerous times throughout code have display contents of list, tried make easier on myself , make function call have make function call:

display_list(&list_name_here); 

although works fine, can see added test 'cout' make sure function call works correctly, doesn't display contents, , error highlights the

type_list 

and error pops says expression must have class type?

now did change code this:

   void display_list(list<string>*type_list) {     cout << "you made function call" << endl;     list<string> gen;     *type_list = gen;      (list<string>::iterator dis = gen.begin(); dis != gen.end(); ++dis)     {         cout << *dis;         cout << "\n";     } } 

in form dereferenced type_list local variable, , proceeded normal.. method rid of class type error, when compile , run it, nothing displayed list.. list simple should display 10 values.

now in case asking, original algorithm when placed in main code , replace type_list appropriate list names, code works , designed. display contents of list. know error isn't in that.

can please shed light on this?

you need use -> access members , member functions pointer.

void display_list(list<string>*type_list) {     cout << "you made function call" << endl;     (list<string>::iterator dis = type_list->begin(); dis != type_list->end(); ++dis)     {         cout << *dis;         cout << "\n";     } } 

as problem of empty list in second attempt,

list<string> gen; *type_list = gen; 

sets *type_list gen doesn't change gen. gen empty list , proceed iterate on it.

you have used:

list<string> gen = *typ_list; 

or (thanks, @mattmcnabb)

list<string>& gen = *typ_list;