Thread: Global Variables

Well, first is first. A global variable is declared OUTSIDE of functions, hence a global scope. If you want to increment, then you just do that...increment.

Look, global variables are time bombs waiting to go off. If you are only incrementing this variable in one function, you're better off setting it as a 'static' variable. That way it is safe and easy to debug on. But, if the variable is needed in multiple functions, go for it.

--Garfield

Normally I declare the global in the source file that has WinMain, and then access it in the other sources using extern.

You should be carefull with globals and only use them when there is no simple alternative and you are sure that it is safe. With a global, any function has access, so it gets to be slightly dangerous with complicated code. Have you thought of doing this with a static local varible?

With games it is often prefrable to use globals for speed, but for a normal GUI you may want to try another method if possible. Surely there cant be many fuctions incrementing this count...or is there?

I have a globals.h file. This is included ONLY in my MAIN.c file.

In any other file I want to use the global you declare the variable as extern
ie

extern int iMDI_Page_Count;

I make their names complicated and make sure I don't use any names similar to a global ever.