Expected initializer before '<' token

Question

I have a template class myClass prototyped in a header file, and am implementing it in a .cpp file that is included at the end of the header file. When I use the code:

template<typename T>
class myClass {
public:
    void myFunction(const T item);
};

in the header file and

template <class T>
void myClass<T>::myFunction(const T item)
{
//stuff
}

in the implementation file, I get the above error on line 2 of the implementation code. I have used this same exact syntax in another program with successful compilation and correctly functioning results, so I am quite confused. There are three different function definitions in the .cpp file and all have this same error on their respective lines. I assume I am making a small error but I really can't seem to figure it out.

Help and explanation are very much appreciated.

EDIT:

Here is an SSCCE which has the same error: main.cpp

#include <iostream>
#include "myClass.h"

using namespace std;

int main(){
myClass<int> example;
example.myFunction(1);
return 0;
}

myClass.h

#include<iostream>

#ifndef MYCLASS_H_
#define MYCLASS_H_

template<typename T>
class myClass {
public:
    void myFunction(const T item);
};

#include "myClass.cpp"
#endif /* MYCLASS_H_ */

myClass.cpp

using namespace std;

template <class T>
void myClass<T>::myFunction(const T item)
{
    cout << "Hello World!";
}

and I am using Code::Blocks 10.05 with the GNU GCC compiler.

Solution 1

I finally solved the problem by removing the myClass.cpp from the build configuration. Not sure why this was necessary, but it works perfectly now.

Solution 2

Put the implementation of the method in the header file (.h) too

The compiler needs to know details of implementation in translation unit.