Scribd
Upload
20 views2 pages

Pre Processor Directives in C Formatted

Pre-processor directives in C are instructions to the compiler that facilitate the inclusion of header files, macro definitions, and conditional compilation, starting with '#' and not requiring a semicolon. Common directives include #include for file inclusion, #define for defining constants or macros, and conditional directives like #if and #ifdef for controlling code compilation. These directives enhance code readability, reduce duplication, improve portability, and speed up compilation.

Uploaded by

sahusukadev22
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
20 views2 pages

Pre Processor Directives in C Formatted

Pre-processor directives in C are instructions to the compiler that facilitate the inclusion of header files, macro definitions, and conditional compilation, starting with '#' and not requiring a semicolon. Common directives include #include for file inclusion, #define for defining constants or macros, and conditional directives like #if and #ifdef for controlling code compilation. These directives enhance code readability, reduce duplication, improve portability, and speed up compilation.

Uploaded by

sahusukadev22
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Pre-Processor Directives in C

Introduction
Pre-processor directives in C are special instructions given to the compiler before actual
compilation begins. These directives allow inclusion of header files, definition of macros,
and conditional compilation. They start with '#' and do not require a semicolon.

Commonly Used Pre-Processor Directives

1. #include
Used to include external files, typically header files.
There are two types:

1. Standard header files: Enclosed in < > (angle brackets), searched in system directories.

#include <stdio.h> // Includes standard input-output functions

2. User-defined header files: Enclosed in "", searched in the current directory.

#include "myheader.h" // Includes a user-defined header file

2. #define
Used to define constants or macros.

#define PI 3.14159
#define MAX(a, b) ((a) > (b) ? (a) : (b))

3. #undef
Used to undefine a previously defined macro.

#define TEMP 100


#undef TEMP

4. Conditional Compilation Directives

a) #if, #else, #elif, #endif


Used to conditionally include or exclude parts of the code during compilation.

#define DEBUG 1

#if DEBUG
printf("Debug mode is ON\n");
#else
printf("Debug mode is OFF\n");
#endif
b) #ifdef (If Defined)
Checks if a macro is defined.

#define PI 3.14159

#ifdef PI
printf("PI is defined\n");
#endif

c) #ifndef (If Not Defined)


Checks if a macro is not defined.

#ifndef MAX
#define MAX 100
#endif

5. #pragma
Provides special instructions to the compiler.

#pragma once // Ensures the file is included only once

Advantages of Pre-Processor Directives


1. Improves Code Readability – By using macros and header files.
2. Reduces Code Duplication – By defining macros and constants.
3. Enhances Portability – By conditionally compiling platform-specific code.
4. Speeds Up Compilation – By handling reusable code effectively.

You might also like