Header files in C organize code by separating declarations from implementation. They use include guards like #ifndef to prevent duplication, contain function prototypes and class definitions in .h files, and are included via #include "filename.h". Implementations go in corresponding .cpp files. Compile all .cpp files together, enabling reusability, modularity, and clean interfaces across multiple source files.
Using header files in C helps organize code, promote reusability, and separate interface from implementation. Here's how to use them effectively.
What Are Header Files?
Header files (usually with .h or .hpp extension) contain declarations such as function prototypes, class definitions, constants, and type definitions. They tell the compiler what functions and objects are available without including the full implementation.
Create and Include a Header File
To create a header file, define your declarations in a .h file. For example, create math_utils.h:
#ifndef MATH_UTILS_H#define MATH_UTILS_H
int add(int a, int b);
double square(double x);
#endif // MATH_UTILS_H
The #ifndef, #define, and #endif lines prevent multiple inclusions (include guards).
In your source file (main.cpp or math_utils.cpp), include the header using:
#include "math_utils.h"Use quotes for user-defined headers and angle brackets for standard library headers like
Separate Declaration and Definition
Define the functions in a corresponding .cpp file (math_utils.cpp):
#include "math_utils.h"int add(int a, int b) {
????return a b;
}
double square(double x) {
????return x * x;
}
Compile both your main file and the implementation file together:
g main.cpp math_utils.cpp -o programWhen to Use Header Files
Use header files when:
- You're defining classes or reusable functions.
- Multiple source files need access to the same declarations.
- You want to hide implementation details from users of your code.
- You're creating a library or modular project.
Standard practice is one class per header file, named after the class (e.g., Student.h and Student.cpp).
Basically, just declare in the header, define in the cpp file, include the header where needed, and compile all source files together. That’s the core of using headers in C .
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