Embedded Basics – Header Guards
Header guards are an important feature that should be included in ALL header files. The purpose of a header guard is to prevent macros, typedefs, enums and function prototypes from accidentally being included in a source file twice. If these definitions do get included twice it can lead to a compiler error due to a double definition. The use of a header guard will easily solve this problem. A header guard consists of three parts.
1) Checking whether a macro related to this file has been previously defined through the use of #ifndef
2) If the macro hasn’t been previously defined then the macro is now defined using #define
3) Closing of the #ifndef block using #endif
Below is an example of how a header guard might look for a file named button.
In the event that a header is included twice, the preprocessor check will see that the macro associated with the header has already been defined and will not once again include the header file. A common practice is to define a macro that is the name of the file with an underscore being used to separate any white space and the file extension.
Struggling to keep your development skills up to date or facing outdated processes that slow down your team, raise costs, and impact product quality?
Here are 4 ways I can help you:
- Embedded Software Academy: Enhance your skills, streamline your processes, and elevate your architecture. Join my academy for on-demand, hands-on workshops and cutting-edge development resources designed to transform your career and keep you ahead of the curve.
- Consulting Services: Get personalized, expert guidance to streamline your development processes, boost efficiency, and achieve your project goals faster. Partner with us to unlock your team's full potential and drive innovation, ensuring your projects success.
- Team Training and Development: Empower your team with the latest best practices in embedded software. Our expert-led training sessions will equip your team with the skills and knowledge to excel, innovate, and drive your projects to success.
- Customized Design Solutions: Get design and development assistance to enhance efficiency, ensure robust testing, and streamline your development pipeline, driving your projects success.
Take action today to upgrade your skills, optimize your team, and achieve success.
