Chapter 10
The C++ Preprocessor
In This Chapter
Including source files
Defining constants and macros
Enumerating alternatives to constants
Inserting compile-time checks
Simplifying declarations via typedef
You only thought that all you had to learn was C++. It turns out that C++ includes a preprocessor that works on your source files before the “real C++ compiler” ever gets to see it. Unfortunately, the syntax of the preprocessor is completely different than that of C++ itself.
Before you despair, however, let me hasten to add that the preprocessor is very basic and the C++ ’11 standard has added a number of features that make the preprocessor almost unnecessary. Nevertheless, if the conversation turns to C++ at your next Coffee Club meeting, you’ll be expected to understand the preprocessor.
What Is a Preprocessor?
Up until now, you may have thought of the C++ compiler as munching on your source code and spitting out an executable program in one step, but that isn’t quite true. ...
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