# std::exception::what

From cppreference.com
< cpp‎ | error‎ | exception

virtual const char* what() const throw(); |  | (until C++11)
virtual const char* what() const noexcept; |  | (since C++11)

Returns the explanatory string.

### Parameters

(none)

### Return value

Pointer to a null-terminated string with explanatory information. The pointer is guaranteed to be valid at least until the exception object from which it is obtained is destroyed, or until a non-const member function on the exception object is called.

### Defect reports

The following behavior-changing defect reports were applied retroactively to previously published C++ standards.

DR | Applied to | Behavior as published | Correct behavior
--- | --- | --- | ---
LWG 108 | C++98 | it was unspecified when the returned pointer becomes invalid | specified

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