Header Files?

G'Day all,

C newbie here.

I just have a quick question about the #include files.

Are they called headerfiles?

For example: #include <stdio.h>

What is that file? I know it has something to do with standard in/out put, but what is it exactly? Is it a function?

And also, I've discovered that some of my newb programs need to involve more of these files (such as stlib.h, etc.). Is there a list of the ones I can use in my programs somewhere?

I'm using Dev-C++.

Cheers,
Muz.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Muz

Are they called headerfiles?

---

Headers, header files, or any other type of names like that, yes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Muz

For example: #include <stdio.h>

What is that file? I know it has something to do with standard in/out put, but what is it exactly? Is it a function?

---

stdio.h contains variables and functions pertaining to standard input and output for you to use in your code. It's how printf() and such can be used by your program without you writing it out yourself.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Muz

And also, I've discovered that some of my newb programs need to involve more of these files (such as stlib.h, etc.). Is there a list of the ones I can use in my programs somewhere?

---

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_standard_library

And btw, welcome to cboard.

Thankyou very much! Extremely helpful!

Is there a way to perhaps automatically include certain header files when starting up a new source file in Dev-C++ 4.9.9.2?

Say I wanted to always have #include 'stdio.h', 'stdlib.h', and others at the top when I start a new program, how would I do that (if I can)?

Cheers,
Muz.

I don't use Dev-C++, so I can't help you with that. Check the manual or any relevant documents with regard to your IDE.

You might do better having to manually create your programs from scratch a few times until you get used to which header file contains which items. Just a thought.

Don't rely on your IDE too much, type them yourself.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Muz

Thankyou very much! Extremely helpful!

Is there a way to perhaps automatically include certain header files when starting up a new source file in Dev-C++ 4.9.9.2?

Say I wanted to always have #include 'stdio.h', 'stdlib.h', and others at the top when I start a new program, how would I do that (if I can)?

Cheers,
Muz.

---

In Dev-C++, go to Tools -> Editor Options -> Code. In the bottom pick Default Source and type in whatever you want. That should do the job..

To clarify, headers typically do not contain functions... at least not the actual code for those functions. The code is usually in a library that is linked to your object files to create the final executable. The headers typically will only contain prototypes for those functions which lets the compiler do its job of type checking. The exception for this is templated code (C++) which may (or may not) be contained within the header file.

Seems like there have been several posts regarding header files in the last couple weeks.