Constructor initialization sequence

[hcleung]

Dear all,
I'm confused by the following code. Why the call to "this(y)" makes compilation error? If I replace "this(y)" with "y=2", it runs fine.
--
class SuperType {
int y=2;
SuperType (int x) {
System.out.println("in constructor SuperType(int)");
}
SuperType () {
this(y);
System.out.println("in constructor SuperType()");
}
public static void main(String [] args) {
SuperType t = new SuperType ();
}
}

[huiying li]

y is an instance variable, it is initialized after 'this(y)' statement, which creates an error. Change it to static variable will solve the problem.

[This message has been edited by huiying li (edited October 14, 2001).]

[Nain Hwu]

this() and super() call in a constructor is called "explicit
constructor invokation". Those calls can not refer to any
instance variables or members of the current object.
As Huiying indicated, they can only be referenced after
returning from those calls.
JLS 8.8.5.1 says:

An explicit constructor invocation statement in a constructor body may not refer to any instance variables or instance
methods declared in this class or any superclass, or use this or super in any expression; otherwise, a compile-time
error occurs.

[This message has been edited by Nain Hwu (edited October 14, 2001).]

[Jane Griscti]

hcleung,
Please read the JavaRanch Name Policy and re-register using a name that complies with the rules.
Thanks for your cooperation.
------------------
Jane Griscti
Sun Certified Programmer for the Java� 2 Platform