Why Use Headers Instead of Including .cpp Files in C ?

Why Should I Avoid Including Cpp Files and Use Headers Instead?

You recently faced a deduction in your C assignment grade for including cpp files instead of compiling and linking them. This article explains the error you made and the importance of using headers over cpp files.

The C preprocessor directive '#include "filename.cpp"' copies the entire contents of the specified file into the active file before compilation. While not prohibited by the C standard, this approach negates the benefits of separating source files.

In small projects, the impact of merging source files may seem minimal. However, as projects grow in size to millions of lines of code, the compilation time for a single change can be staggering, taking hours on modern desktop computers.

By contrast, headers store interface information, such as class declarations and function prototypes. When included with the '#include' directive, they allow you to reference symbols and types from other source files without needing the entire implementation. This separation enables you to compile only the affected parts of the codebase when making changes, saving significant time.

Additionally, headers enforce a clear division between interface (header) and implementation (cpp). It provides a concise interface for other parts of the program, reducing dependency on implementation details and promoting code maintainability.

In summary, using separate header files is essential for optimizing compilation time in large projects and maintaining a clean and flexible codebase. By avoiding the inclusion of cpp files, you ensure a more efficient and organized development process.

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