"-D__STDC_FORMAT_MACROS" gnu compiler option

Question

I am cleaning up my Makefile and try to understand what is actually happening there. I came across said option. It must enable some macros to guarantee compatibility with older C libraries, but i could not find its purpose. What does the gnu compiler (g++) option

g++ -D__STDC_FORMAT_MACROS

mean or do? Is it even necessary for g++?

PS: Im working under Linux

http://stackoverflow.com/a/8132440/516138 You've probably already found this! — Nick, Sep 19 '12 at 15:31
No i havent. Thanks Nick. I add some of its content in an answer. — Da Frenk, Sep 19 '12 at 15:48

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 19 '12 at 15:47

2

Thanks to the link of Nick, I conclude that it is not required for g++. It has to do with C's inttype.h and printf. From the link

In particular, the symbol __STDC_FORMAT_MACROS, mentioned in footnote 182 of the C standard, plays no role in C++.

answered Sep 19 '12 at 15:47

Da Frenk

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"-D__STDC_FORMAT_MACROS" gnu compiler option

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