#include question

[Haunter]

Just starting in C++ and need a point of clarity.

#include <somfiel.h> points do a system default directory right?

#include &quot;anotherfile.h&quot; points to a file in same directory as file being compiled, right?

Now how do I point to a file above the current working directory that is not a system default directory?

ty


haunter@battlestrata.com

 

[palbano]

same way you do in the file system

#include &quot;../somefile.h&quot;

-pete

 

[Cagliostro]

also you could
set PATH=$PATH:/home.../yourProjectDirectory
and compile without changes

Ion Filipski

ICQ: 95034075
AIM: IonFilipski
filipski@excite.com

 

[melancthon]

I'm not sure that the

PATH

environmental variable will work with all compilers (e.g. SUN FORTE).

Most compliers provide a compiler command line switch that lets you add directories to the 'include search list'.

Usually (YMMV) this is of the form:

-I<directory name>

lets you specify additional directories for the #include directive

So, in your problem example:

CC -g -o testProg -I../ -c testProg.cpp

multiple

-I

's can be included, e.g.:

CC -g -o testProg -I../ -I/opt/ORCL -I/opt/tibco -c testProg.cpp

Many people prefer the approach of specifying the directories at the compiler command level (in a makefile?), rather than in the code itself, since it reduces the filesystem dependencies within the code files themselves.

 

[chipperMDW]

Also, keeping those kinds of dependencies out of source files allows you to specify that kind of stuff all in one centralized place, commonly a Makefile. If you ever change directory structure, you don't change all your source files, you just make one change to the Makefile.

That said, the &quot;../&quot; is appropriate sometimes, especially in small, toy projects (until they become useful and big).

 

[Haunter]

Thank you all..

I am from a PERL background and we have to include stuff in the program. Makefiles dont exist. I am just getting over a few learning curve issues and you gents are a great help..


haunter@battlestrata.com