http://www.learncpp.com/cpp-tutorial/19-header-files/
It mentions the following as another solution to "forward declaration":
A header file only has to be written once, and it can be included in as many files as needed. This also helps with maintenance by minimizing the number of changes that need to be made if a function prototype ever changes (eg. by adding a new parameter).
But, cannot this also be made with "forward declaration"? Since we are defining the function int add(int x, int y) for example in "add.cpp", and using this function in "main.cpp" by typing:
int add(int x, int y);
?
Thanks.
That is certainly possible. But for a realistically-sized program, there will be a large number of functions that a large number of other files will need to declare. If you put a forward declaration in every file that needs to access another function, you have a multitude of problems:
You've just copy-pasted the same declaration into many different files. If you ever change the function signature, you have to change every place you've pasted its forward declaration.
The forward declaration itself does not naturally tell you what file the actual function is defined in. If you use a sane method of organizing your header files and your source files (for instance, every function defined in a .cpp file is declared in a .h file with the same name), then the place that the function is defined is implied by the place that it is declared.
Your code will be less readable to other programmers, who are very used to using header files for everything (for good reason), even if all you need from a header is one specific function and you could easily forward-declare it yourself.
Header files contain forward declarations - that's what they do. The issue they resolve is when you have a more complex project with multiple source code files.
You could have a library of functions, e.g. matrix.c for matrix operations. Without header files you would have to copy the forward declarations for all the matrix.c functions into all the other source files. You would also have to keep all those copies up to date with any changes to matrix.c.
If you ever change the function in matrix.c, but forget to change its declaration in another file you will not get a compile error. You will probably not get a linker error either. All you will get is a crash or other random behaviour once you run your program.
Having the declarations in a single file, typically matrix.h, that will be used everywhere else removes all these issues.
You can use forward declaration but it doesn't scale well and it's unwieldly if you're using somebody else's code or library.
In general, the header file defines the interface to the code.
Also, think what happens if the function requires some user defined type. Are you going to forward declare that too? That type may regularly change its implementation (keeping it's public interface the same) which would result in having to regularly change all the forward declarations.
The header file solution is far more maintainable (less error prone) and make it far easier to determine exactly what code is being used.
I C and C++ one essentially put all the forward and or external declarations into the header. This then provides a convenient way of including them in the various source files without having to manually include them.
In your case, if you have add defined in add.cpp, you can just provide the external declaration in main.cpp and everything is cool. The header file is there to help you when you have a large number of files that need add declared and don't want to do so for each one.
int add(int x, int y); // forward declaration using function prototype
Can you explain "forward declaration"
more further? What is the problem if
we use it in the main() function?
It's same as #include"add.h". If you know,preprocessor expands the file which you mention in #include, in the .cpp file where you write the #include directive. That means, if you write #include"add.h", you get the same thing, it is as if you doing "forward declaration".
I'm assuming that add.h has this line:
int add(int x, int y);
What are forward declarations in C++?
Related
At this link, the following was mentioned:
add.cpp:
int add(int x, int y)
{
return x + y;
}
main.cpp:
#include <iostream>
int add(int x, int y); // forward declaration using function prototype
int main()
{
using namespace std;
cout << "The sum of 3 and 4 is " << add(3, 4) << endl;
return 0;
}
We used a forward declaration so that the compiler would know what "add" was when compiling main.cpp. As previously mentioned, writing forward declarations for every function you want to use that lives in another file can get tedious quickly.
Can you explain "forward declaration" further? What is the problem if we use it in the main function?
Why forward-declare is necessary in C++
The compiler wants to ensure you haven't made spelling mistakes or passed the wrong number of arguments to the function. So, it insists that it first sees a declaration of 'add' (or any other types, classes, or functions) before it is used.
This really just allows the compiler to do a better job of validating the code and allows it to tidy up loose ends so it can produce a neat-looking object file. If you didn't have to forward declare things, the compiler would produce an object file that would have to contain information about all the possible guesses as to what the function add might be. And the linker would have to contain very clever logic to try and work out which add you actually intended to call, when the add function may live in a different object file the linker is joining with the one that uses add to produce a dll or exe. It's possible that the linker may get the wrong add. Say you wanted to use int add(int a, float b), but accidentally forgot to write it, but the linker found an already existing int add(int a, int b) and thought that was the right one and used that instead. Your code would compile, but wouldn't be doing what you expected.
So, just to keep things explicit and avoid guessing, etc, the compiler insists you declare everything before it is used.
Difference between declaration and definition
As an aside, it's important to know the difference between a declaration and a definition. A declaration just gives enough code to show what something looks like, so for a function, this is the return type, calling convention, method name, arguments, and their types. However, the code for the method isn't required. For a definition, you need the declaration and then also the code for the function too.
How forward-declarations can significantly reduce build times
You can get the declaration of a function into your current .cpp or .h file by #includ'ing the header that already contains a declaration of the function. However, this can slow down your compile, especially if you #include a header into a .h instead of .cpp of your program, as everything that #includes the .h you're writing would end up #include'ing all the headers you wrote #includes for too. Suddenly, the compiler has #included pages and pages of code that it needs to compile even when you only wanted to use one or two functions. To avoid this, you can use a forward-declaration and just type the declaration of the function yourself at the top of the file. If you're only using a few functions, this can really make your compiles quicker compared to always #including the header. For really large projects, the difference could be an hour or more of compile time bought down to a few minutes.
Break cyclic references where two definitions both use each other
Additionally, forward-declarations can help you break cycles. This is where two functions both try to use each other. When this happens (and it is a perfectly valid thing to do), you may #include one header file, but that header file tries to #include the header file you're currently writing... which then #includes the other header, which #includes the one you're writing. You're stuck in a chicken and egg situation with each header file trying to re #include the other. To solve this, you can forward-declare the parts you need in one of the files and leave the #include out of that file.
Eg:
File Car.h
#include "Wheel.h" // Include Wheel's definition so it can be used in Car.
#include <vector>
class Car
{
std::vector<Wheel> wheels;
};
File Wheel.h
Hmm... the declaration of Car is required here as Wheel has a pointer to a Car, but Car.h can't be included here as it would result in a compiler error. If Car.h was included, that would then try to include Wheel.h which would include Car.h which would include Wheel.h and this would go on forever, so instead the compiler raises an error. The solution is to forward declare Car instead:
class Car; // forward declaration
class Wheel
{
Car* car;
};
If class Wheel had methods which need to call methods of Car, those methods could be defined in Wheel.cpp and Wheel.cpp is now able to include Car.h without causing a cycle.
The compiler looks for each symbol being used in the current translation unit is previously declared or not in the current unit. It is just a matter of style providing all method signatures at the beginning of a source file while definitions are provided later. The significant use of it is when you use a pointer to a class as member variable of another class.
//foo.h
class bar; // This is useful
class foo
{
bar* obj; // Pointer or even a reference.
};
// foo.cpp
#include "bar.h"
#include "foo.h"
So, use forward-declarations in classes when ever possible. If your program just has functions( with ho header files), then providing prototypes at the beginning is just a matter of style. This would be anyhow the case had if the header file was present in a normal program with header that has only functions.
Because C++ is parsed from the top down, the compiler needs to know about things before they are used. So, when you reference:
int add( int x, int y )
in the main function the compiler needs to know it exists. To prove this try moving it to below the main function and you'll get a compiler error.
So a 'Forward Declaration' is just what it says on the tin. It's declaring something in advance of its use.
Generally you would include forward declarations in a header file and then include that header file in the same way that iostream is included.
The term "forward declaration" in C++ is mostly only used for class declarations. See (the end of) this answer for why a "forward declaration" of a class really is just a simple class declaration with a fancy name.
In other words, the "forward" just adds ballast to the term, as any declaration can be seen as being forward in so far as it declares some identifier before it is used.
(As to what is a declaration as opposed to a definition, again see What is the difference between a definition and a declaration?)
When the compiler sees add(3, 4) it needs to know what that means. With the forward declaration you basically tell the compiler that add is a function that takes two ints and returns an int. This is important information for the compiler becaus it needs to put 4 and 5 in the correct representation onto the stack and needs to know what type the thing returned by add is.
At that time, the compiler is not worried about the actual implementation of add, ie where it is (or if there is even one) and if it compiles. That comes into view later, after compiling the source files when the linker is invoked.
one quick addendum regarding: usually you put those forward references into a header file belonging to the .c(pp) file where the function/variable etc. is implemented. in your example it would look like this:
add.h:
extern int add(int a, int b);
the keyword extern states that the function is actually declared in an external file (could also be a library etc.).
your main.c would look like this:
#include
#include "add.h"
int main()
{
.
.
.
int add(int x, int y); // forward declaration using function prototype
Can you explain "forward declaration"
more further? What is the problem if
we use it in the main() function?
It's same as #include"add.h". If you know,preprocessor expands the file which you mention in #include, in the .cpp file where you write the #include directive. That means, if you write #include"add.h", you get the same thing, it is as if you doing "forward declaration".
I'm assuming that add.h has this line:
int add(int x, int y);
One problem is, that the compiler does not know, which kind of value is delivered by your function; is assumes, that the function returns an int in this case, but this can be as correct as it can be wrong. Another problem is, that the compiler does not know, which kind of arguments your function expects, and cannot warn you, if you are passing values of the wrong kind. There are special "promotion" rules, which apply when passing, say floating point values to an undeclared function (the compiler has to widen them to type double), which is often not, what the function actually expects, leading to hard to find bugs at run-time.
At this link, the following was mentioned:
add.cpp:
int add(int x, int y)
{
return x + y;
}
main.cpp:
#include <iostream>
int add(int x, int y); // forward declaration using function prototype
int main()
{
using namespace std;
cout << "The sum of 3 and 4 is " << add(3, 4) << endl;
return 0;
}
We used a forward declaration so that the compiler would know what "add" was when compiling main.cpp. As previously mentioned, writing forward declarations for every function you want to use that lives in another file can get tedious quickly.
Can you explain "forward declaration" further? What is the problem if we use it in the main function?
Why forward-declare is necessary in C++
The compiler wants to ensure you haven't made spelling mistakes or passed the wrong number of arguments to the function. So, it insists that it first sees a declaration of 'add' (or any other types, classes, or functions) before it is used.
This really just allows the compiler to do a better job of validating the code and allows it to tidy up loose ends so it can produce a neat-looking object file. If you didn't have to forward declare things, the compiler would produce an object file that would have to contain information about all the possible guesses as to what the function add might be. And the linker would have to contain very clever logic to try and work out which add you actually intended to call, when the add function may live in a different object file the linker is joining with the one that uses add to produce a dll or exe. It's possible that the linker may get the wrong add. Say you wanted to use int add(int a, float b), but accidentally forgot to write it, but the linker found an already existing int add(int a, int b) and thought that was the right one and used that instead. Your code would compile, but wouldn't be doing what you expected.
So, just to keep things explicit and avoid guessing, etc, the compiler insists you declare everything before it is used.
Difference between declaration and definition
As an aside, it's important to know the difference between a declaration and a definition. A declaration just gives enough code to show what something looks like, so for a function, this is the return type, calling convention, method name, arguments, and their types. However, the code for the method isn't required. For a definition, you need the declaration and then also the code for the function too.
How forward-declarations can significantly reduce build times
You can get the declaration of a function into your current .cpp or .h file by #includ'ing the header that already contains a declaration of the function. However, this can slow down your compile, especially if you #include a header into a .h instead of .cpp of your program, as everything that #includes the .h you're writing would end up #include'ing all the headers you wrote #includes for too. Suddenly, the compiler has #included pages and pages of code that it needs to compile even when you only wanted to use one or two functions. To avoid this, you can use a forward-declaration and just type the declaration of the function yourself at the top of the file. If you're only using a few functions, this can really make your compiles quicker compared to always #including the header. For really large projects, the difference could be an hour or more of compile time bought down to a few minutes.
Break cyclic references where two definitions both use each other
Additionally, forward-declarations can help you break cycles. This is where two functions both try to use each other. When this happens (and it is a perfectly valid thing to do), you may #include one header file, but that header file tries to #include the header file you're currently writing... which then #includes the other header, which #includes the one you're writing. You're stuck in a chicken and egg situation with each header file trying to re #include the other. To solve this, you can forward-declare the parts you need in one of the files and leave the #include out of that file.
Eg:
File Car.h
#include "Wheel.h" // Include Wheel's definition so it can be used in Car.
#include <vector>
class Car
{
std::vector<Wheel> wheels;
};
File Wheel.h
Hmm... the declaration of Car is required here as Wheel has a pointer to a Car, but Car.h can't be included here as it would result in a compiler error. If Car.h was included, that would then try to include Wheel.h which would include Car.h which would include Wheel.h and this would go on forever, so instead the compiler raises an error. The solution is to forward declare Car instead:
class Car; // forward declaration
class Wheel
{
Car* car;
};
If class Wheel had methods which need to call methods of Car, those methods could be defined in Wheel.cpp and Wheel.cpp is now able to include Car.h without causing a cycle.
The compiler looks for each symbol being used in the current translation unit is previously declared or not in the current unit. It is just a matter of style providing all method signatures at the beginning of a source file while definitions are provided later. The significant use of it is when you use a pointer to a class as member variable of another class.
//foo.h
class bar; // This is useful
class foo
{
bar* obj; // Pointer or even a reference.
};
// foo.cpp
#include "bar.h"
#include "foo.h"
So, use forward-declarations in classes when ever possible. If your program just has functions( with ho header files), then providing prototypes at the beginning is just a matter of style. This would be anyhow the case had if the header file was present in a normal program with header that has only functions.
Because C++ is parsed from the top down, the compiler needs to know about things before they are used. So, when you reference:
int add( int x, int y )
in the main function the compiler needs to know it exists. To prove this try moving it to below the main function and you'll get a compiler error.
So a 'Forward Declaration' is just what it says on the tin. It's declaring something in advance of its use.
Generally you would include forward declarations in a header file and then include that header file in the same way that iostream is included.
The term "forward declaration" in C++ is mostly only used for class declarations. See (the end of) this answer for why a "forward declaration" of a class really is just a simple class declaration with a fancy name.
In other words, the "forward" just adds ballast to the term, as any declaration can be seen as being forward in so far as it declares some identifier before it is used.
(As to what is a declaration as opposed to a definition, again see What is the difference between a definition and a declaration?)
When the compiler sees add(3, 4) it needs to know what that means. With the forward declaration you basically tell the compiler that add is a function that takes two ints and returns an int. This is important information for the compiler becaus it needs to put 4 and 5 in the correct representation onto the stack and needs to know what type the thing returned by add is.
At that time, the compiler is not worried about the actual implementation of add, ie where it is (or if there is even one) and if it compiles. That comes into view later, after compiling the source files when the linker is invoked.
one quick addendum regarding: usually you put those forward references into a header file belonging to the .c(pp) file where the function/variable etc. is implemented. in your example it would look like this:
add.h:
extern int add(int a, int b);
the keyword extern states that the function is actually declared in an external file (could also be a library etc.).
your main.c would look like this:
#include
#include "add.h"
int main()
{
.
.
.
int add(int x, int y); // forward declaration using function prototype
Can you explain "forward declaration"
more further? What is the problem if
we use it in the main() function?
It's same as #include"add.h". If you know,preprocessor expands the file which you mention in #include, in the .cpp file where you write the #include directive. That means, if you write #include"add.h", you get the same thing, it is as if you doing "forward declaration".
I'm assuming that add.h has this line:
int add(int x, int y);
One problem is, that the compiler does not know, which kind of value is delivered by your function; is assumes, that the function returns an int in this case, but this can be as correct as it can be wrong. Another problem is, that the compiler does not know, which kind of arguments your function expects, and cannot warn you, if you are passing values of the wrong kind. There are special "promotion" rules, which apply when passing, say floating point values to an undeclared function (the compiler has to widen them to type double), which is often not, what the function actually expects, leading to hard to find bugs at run-time.
I have what seems a relatively simple question, but one that keeps defying my efforts to understand it.
I apologise if it is a simple question, but like many simple questions, I can't seem to find a solid explanation anywhere.
With the below code:
/*foo.c*/
#include "bar.h"
int main() {
return(my_function(1,2));
}
/*bar.h*/
int my_function(int,int);
/*bar.c*/
#include "bar.h" /*is this necessary!?*/
int my_function(int x, int y) {
return(x+y);
}
Simply, is the second inclusion necessary? I don't understand why I keep seeing headers included in both source files. Surely if the function is declared in "foo.c" by including "bar.h," it does not need to be declared a second time in another linked source file (especially the one which actually defines it)??? A friend tried to explain to me that it didn't really matter for functions, but it did for structs, something which still eludes me! Help!
Is it simply for clarity, so that programmers can see which functions are being used externally?
I just don't get it!
Thanks!
In this particular case, it's unnecessary for the reason you described. It might be useful in situations where you have a more complex set of functions that might all depend on each other. If you include the header at the top of the .cpp file, you have effectively forward-declared every single function and so you don't have to worry about making sure your function definitions are in a certain order.
I also find that it clearly shows that these function definitions correspond to those declarations. This makes it easier for the reader to find how translation units depend on each other. Of course, the names of the files might be sufficient, but some more complex projects do not have one-to-one relationship between .cpp files and .h files. Sometimes headers are broken up into multiple parts, or many implementation files will have their external functions declared in a single header (common for large modules).
Really, all inclusions are unnecessary. You can always, after all, just duplicate the declarations (or definitions, in the case of classes) across all of the files that require them. We use the preprocessor to simplify this task and reduce the amount of redundant code. It's easier to stick to a pattern of always including the corresponding header because it will always work, rather than have to check each file every time you edit them and determine if the inclusion is necessary or not.
The way the C language (and C++) is designed is that the compiler processes each .c file in isolation.
You typically launch your compiler (cl.exe or gcc, for example) for one of your c files, and this produces one object file (.o or .obj).
Once all your object files have been generated, you run the linker, passing it all the object files, and it will tie them together into an executable.
That's why every .c file needs to include the headers it depends on. When the compiler is processing it, it knows nothing about which other .c files you may have. All it knows is the contents of the .c file you point it to, as well as the headers it includes.
In your simplified example inclusion of "bar.h" in "bar.c" is not necessary. But in real world in most cases it would be. If you have a class declaration in "bar.h", and "bar.c" has functions of this class, the inclusion is needed. If you have any other declaration which is used in "bar.c" - being it a constant, enum, etc. - again include is needed. Because in real world it is nearly always needed, the easy rule is - include the header file in the corresponding source file always.
If the header only declares global functions, and the source file only implements them (without calling any of them) then it's not strictly necessary. But that's not usually the case; in a large program, you rarely want global functions.
If the header defines a class, then you'll need to include it in the source file in order to define member functions:
void Thing::function(int x) {
//^^^^^^^ needs class definition
}
If the header declares functions in a namespace, then it's a good idea to put the definitions outside the namespace:
void ns::function(int x) {
//^^^^ needs previous declaration
}
This will give a nice compile-time error if the parameter types don't match a previous declaration - for which you'd need to include the header. Defining the function inside its namespace
namespace ns {
void function(int x) {
// ...
}
}
will silently declare a new overload if you get the parameter types wrong.
Simple rule is this(Considering foo is a member function of some class):-
So, if some header file is declaring a function say:=
//foo.h
void foo (int x);
Compiler would need to see this declaration anywhere you have defined this function ( to make sure your definition is in line with declaration) and you are calling this function ( to make sure you have called the function with correct number and type of arguments).
That means you have to include foo.h everywhere you are making call to that function and where you are providing definition for that function.
Also if foo is a global function ( not inside any namespace ) then there is no need to include that foo.h in implementation file.
So I have made a complex project and now I have too many include files causing me headaches. How can I best manage these classes? Some classes need to use other classes. I also have a .h file containing a bunch of arrays of int. These stay the same through the application but I get the problem when the compiler complains that I am redefining the array.
Should I make a class library? Namespace? DLL? What is the best practice and where can I find out how to do the right one?
Use include guards in all your headers.
file.h
#ifndef FILE_H_INCLUDED
#define FILE_H_INCLUDED
void foo();
#endif
Avoid global variables when possible. If you must use them, declare global variables using extern and place the definition in a .cpp file instead.
file.h
extern int var[20];
file.cpp
int var[20];
When possible, use forward declarations. You can use forward declarations whenever you use only a reference or a pointer to a class and don't dereference that pointer.
useful.h
class Useful {};
other.h
// Forward-declare instead of #include
class Useful;
class Other
{
Useful* helper;
};
I don't think there really is a best practice, it depends on the situation. Something I might recommend is to group like objects into a namespace then put all of the definitions in a single .h file. If the implementations are short, put them all in a single cpp file. Here at my work we have a database access layer like this. There are roughly a couple dozen objects that are populated by stored procs. The code is still a major pain in the ass but it's better than having two dozen .h and cpp files that are all less than 500 lines. If you do this comments to compartmentalize object definitions become really important. You can easily get files longer than 10,000 lines so you need something to break them up.
Of course use include guards, they'll likely solve the redefining error.
You need to know the difference between a definition and a declaration, and what uses of an entity required the entity to be declared. Then you also need to learn the 'one definition rule' (ODR) which tells you when when you're not allowed to have more than one definition in the program (and therefore the definition can't go in a header) and what things can be defined more than once as long as the definitions are identical (and therefore the definition can go in a header).
For example, those arrays you're declaring; since these are globally visible arrays the program can only contain one definition, and therefore the definition can't go in a header. Every part of the program that needs to access them simply needs to know their declaration. So instead of putting a definition in a header file and violating the ODR, you should have a C++ file that contains their definition and a header that contains declarations for them.
Code like this:
int foo[100];
both declares and defines the array foo. Put code like this in a C++ file. To only declare this array you do this:
extern int foo[100];
Put code like this in a header.
Class definitions, inline functions, and templates are all things that can be defined multiple times as long as the definitions are identical. You can put these definitions into headers, whereas regular functions, and global variables may only be defined once, so you declare them in headers and then define them in implementation files.
At this link, the following was mentioned:
add.cpp:
int add(int x, int y)
{
return x + y;
}
main.cpp:
#include <iostream>
int add(int x, int y); // forward declaration using function prototype
int main()
{
using namespace std;
cout << "The sum of 3 and 4 is " << add(3, 4) << endl;
return 0;
}
We used a forward declaration so that the compiler would know what "add" was when compiling main.cpp. As previously mentioned, writing forward declarations for every function you want to use that lives in another file can get tedious quickly.
Can you explain "forward declaration" further? What is the problem if we use it in the main function?
Why forward-declare is necessary in C++
The compiler wants to ensure you haven't made spelling mistakes or passed the wrong number of arguments to the function. So, it insists that it first sees a declaration of 'add' (or any other types, classes, or functions) before it is used.
This really just allows the compiler to do a better job of validating the code and allows it to tidy up loose ends so it can produce a neat-looking object file. If you didn't have to forward declare things, the compiler would produce an object file that would have to contain information about all the possible guesses as to what the function add might be. And the linker would have to contain very clever logic to try and work out which add you actually intended to call, when the add function may live in a different object file the linker is joining with the one that uses add to produce a dll or exe. It's possible that the linker may get the wrong add. Say you wanted to use int add(int a, float b), but accidentally forgot to write it, but the linker found an already existing int add(int a, int b) and thought that was the right one and used that instead. Your code would compile, but wouldn't be doing what you expected.
So, just to keep things explicit and avoid guessing, etc, the compiler insists you declare everything before it is used.
Difference between declaration and definition
As an aside, it's important to know the difference between a declaration and a definition. A declaration just gives enough code to show what something looks like, so for a function, this is the return type, calling convention, method name, arguments, and their types. However, the code for the method isn't required. For a definition, you need the declaration and then also the code for the function too.
How forward-declarations can significantly reduce build times
You can get the declaration of a function into your current .cpp or .h file by #includ'ing the header that already contains a declaration of the function. However, this can slow down your compile, especially if you #include a header into a .h instead of .cpp of your program, as everything that #includes the .h you're writing would end up #include'ing all the headers you wrote #includes for too. Suddenly, the compiler has #included pages and pages of code that it needs to compile even when you only wanted to use one or two functions. To avoid this, you can use a forward-declaration and just type the declaration of the function yourself at the top of the file. If you're only using a few functions, this can really make your compiles quicker compared to always #including the header. For really large projects, the difference could be an hour or more of compile time bought down to a few minutes.
Break cyclic references where two definitions both use each other
Additionally, forward-declarations can help you break cycles. This is where two functions both try to use each other. When this happens (and it is a perfectly valid thing to do), you may #include one header file, but that header file tries to #include the header file you're currently writing... which then #includes the other header, which #includes the one you're writing. You're stuck in a chicken and egg situation with each header file trying to re #include the other. To solve this, you can forward-declare the parts you need in one of the files and leave the #include out of that file.
Eg:
File Car.h
#include "Wheel.h" // Include Wheel's definition so it can be used in Car.
#include <vector>
class Car
{
std::vector<Wheel> wheels;
};
File Wheel.h
Hmm... the declaration of Car is required here as Wheel has a pointer to a Car, but Car.h can't be included here as it would result in a compiler error. If Car.h was included, that would then try to include Wheel.h which would include Car.h which would include Wheel.h and this would go on forever, so instead the compiler raises an error. The solution is to forward declare Car instead:
class Car; // forward declaration
class Wheel
{
Car* car;
};
If class Wheel had methods which need to call methods of Car, those methods could be defined in Wheel.cpp and Wheel.cpp is now able to include Car.h without causing a cycle.
The compiler looks for each symbol being used in the current translation unit is previously declared or not in the current unit. It is just a matter of style providing all method signatures at the beginning of a source file while definitions are provided later. The significant use of it is when you use a pointer to a class as member variable of another class.
//foo.h
class bar; // This is useful
class foo
{
bar* obj; // Pointer or even a reference.
};
// foo.cpp
#include "bar.h"
#include "foo.h"
So, use forward-declarations in classes when ever possible. If your program just has functions( with ho header files), then providing prototypes at the beginning is just a matter of style. This would be anyhow the case had if the header file was present in a normal program with header that has only functions.
Because C++ is parsed from the top down, the compiler needs to know about things before they are used. So, when you reference:
int add( int x, int y )
in the main function the compiler needs to know it exists. To prove this try moving it to below the main function and you'll get a compiler error.
So a 'Forward Declaration' is just what it says on the tin. It's declaring something in advance of its use.
Generally you would include forward declarations in a header file and then include that header file in the same way that iostream is included.
The term "forward declaration" in C++ is mostly only used for class declarations. See (the end of) this answer for why a "forward declaration" of a class really is just a simple class declaration with a fancy name.
In other words, the "forward" just adds ballast to the term, as any declaration can be seen as being forward in so far as it declares some identifier before it is used.
(As to what is a declaration as opposed to a definition, again see What is the difference between a definition and a declaration?)
When the compiler sees add(3, 4) it needs to know what that means. With the forward declaration you basically tell the compiler that add is a function that takes two ints and returns an int. This is important information for the compiler becaus it needs to put 4 and 5 in the correct representation onto the stack and needs to know what type the thing returned by add is.
At that time, the compiler is not worried about the actual implementation of add, ie where it is (or if there is even one) and if it compiles. That comes into view later, after compiling the source files when the linker is invoked.
one quick addendum regarding: usually you put those forward references into a header file belonging to the .c(pp) file where the function/variable etc. is implemented. in your example it would look like this:
add.h:
extern int add(int a, int b);
the keyword extern states that the function is actually declared in an external file (could also be a library etc.).
your main.c would look like this:
#include
#include "add.h"
int main()
{
.
.
.
int add(int x, int y); // forward declaration using function prototype
Can you explain "forward declaration"
more further? What is the problem if
we use it in the main() function?
It's same as #include"add.h". If you know,preprocessor expands the file which you mention in #include, in the .cpp file where you write the #include directive. That means, if you write #include"add.h", you get the same thing, it is as if you doing "forward declaration".
I'm assuming that add.h has this line:
int add(int x, int y);
One problem is, that the compiler does not know, which kind of value is delivered by your function; is assumes, that the function returns an int in this case, but this can be as correct as it can be wrong. Another problem is, that the compiler does not know, which kind of arguments your function expects, and cannot warn you, if you are passing values of the wrong kind. There are special "promotion" rules, which apply when passing, say floating point values to an undeclared function (the compiler has to widen them to type double), which is often not, what the function actually expects, leading to hard to find bugs at run-time.