Jul 13, 2018 · Here, we discuss the basic rules of C++ header file inclusion needed to simplify header file management. A header file should be included only when a forward declaration …

Sep 18, 2010 · In general square brackets are used to include system headers and external headers, while double quotes are used to include local files. There is a grey zone on whether a …

Jun 9, 2010 · The only time you should include a header within another .h file is if you need to access a type definition in that header; for example: #ifndef MY_HEADER_H #define …

This article is meant to address a common newbie problem regarding failure to understand #include, headers, and source file interaction. Several good practices are outlined and …

Jan 11, 2024 · A header file contains the set of predefined standard library functions. The header file can be included in the program with the C preprocessing directive "#include". All the …

Jan 4, 2025 · In lesson 2.11 -- Header files, you learned that you can put function declarations in a header files. Then you can #include those functions declarations into multiple code files (or …

Feb 27, 2025 · A header file should #include any other headers containing functionality it needs. Such a header should compile successfully when #included into a .cpp file by itself. Only …

Nov 8, 2014 · Precompiled headers don't help that. The general rule of thumb is: include what you use. If you use an object directly, then include its header file directly. If you use an object A …

Headers generally contain declarations; cpp files contain definitions. When you include a file with definitions more than once, you get duplicates during linking. In your situation one defintion …

Aug 2, 2021 · You make the declarations in a header file, then use the #include directive in every .cpp file or other header file that requires that declaration. The #include directive inserts a copy …