Compare structure name to #defined value

Hi. Ive just started on C, and so that I dont have to double my code in a small test programme I've made I decided to use
#define curplay play1
where play1 is the name of a structure variable.

So the first time it goes through my programme it runs it as play1 whenever i type curplay, but before it restarts I want to change curplay to play2.

I tried typing

if (curplay=play1) curplay=play2;

but I get this error for that line:
"invalid operands to binary !="

Is there anyway i can switch curplay over to play2 at the end of my code?

Thanks in advance.

That is not an appropriate use of a macro.

You could use a pointer instead, or turn play1 and play2 into the elements of an array and use an array index.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ItsAaron

Is there anyway i can switch curplay over to play2 at the end of my code?

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Yeah, you have to use a global variable instead of a define. Of course, then you can't use it to substitute for a different variable name (the struct).

The reason you can use a #define to do that is the same reason it CANNOT be changed. #defines are "preprocessor" events. Before the code is compiled, the preprocessor goes through it and literally replaces all instances of the define label with it's definition. So when the code is compiled, "curplay" has been replaced with curplay1. So your code would look like:

Code:

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if (play1==play1) play1=play2;

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Nb. you also used = instead of ==.

That will work if play1 and play2 are pointers to structs, but it will not work if they are actually structs.

Really, you should just be using a global pointer (and not a define) for this, as laserlight says.

tbh I've not been able to use a pointer at all yet. Looks like I'll have to learn how to use them properly. Thanks for the replies