Head file redefinition

[SuperNewbie]

Hi

If there are three files. main.c and head2.h, head3.h.
head3.h has been imported into head2.h already. And in main.c

#include "head3.h"
#include "head2.h"
................

So head3.h has been imported twice in main.c(in main.c and in head2.h), do you think that variable defined in head3.h would cause some unexpected failure, and should I avoid such manner?
Thanks.

[Magos]

This multiple inclusion is a common problem, that's why some smart guy invented "inclusion guards". By using macros you prevent the contents in one file from being redefined if the file is included again:

#ifndef MYFILE_H
#define MYFILE_H

... //The contents here

#endif

[c99]

The standard c99 dictates a maximum of 15 nested levels for include files.

It would be a waste of resources to include the same file twice.

If you look at your own header files in the header directory you'll
more than likely notice that each header defines itself thus,

/*
    header1.h
*/
#define _HEADER1_H_

Knowing this we could now do something like,

/*
    header2.h
*/
#define _HEADER2_H_

#ifndef _HEADER1_H_
#include "header1.h"
#endif

The preprocessor would then determine whether or not
header1.h has already been included and proceed accordingly.

Note that you shouldn't really use the leading underscore as
the standard suggests that _[any] are reserved identifiers so
HEADER1_H_ could be an alternative option.


Hope that helps.