When to use .hpp files

Question

I've created a library using C++, I want to create a Python Wrapper for this library and I am using boost.python - The problem is that I have created .h and .cpp files separately and for some reason, the .so file cannot link these .cpp files.

I have therefore decided to just use the .hpp extension and include the implementation as a header file. Is this good or bad practice in terms of C++? I'm hoping to upload my project to Github so want to maximize the most optimal solution.

P.S. I think this question would more belong on programmers.stackexchange.com so if it is, could someone please migrate it.

@chris Hey, I thought the .hpp invoked that the implementation of the class would be in there? The general question is: Is this acceptable? I've always been taught to have a .h and .cpp file — Phorce, Nov 16 '13 at 20:44
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/152555/h-or-hpp-for-your-class-definitions — JBentley, Nov 16 '13 at 20:48
If you are going to put implementation in the header file, make sure to use `inline` where appropriate to avoid link errors (and be aware of which types of functions are automatically `inline` in a header file) — JBentley, Nov 16 '13 at 20:49
Possible duplicate of [\*.h or \*.hpp for your class definitions](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/152555/h-or-hpp-for-your-class-definitions) — Gaurang Tandon, Feb 12 '19 at 09:23

score 19 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:02

19

This is a good idea if you have mixed c++ and c in your project. As mentioned in the comments .hpp and .h are essentially the same (for compiling c++, not c). If you are having problems linking your project it's not because of your file extensions.

In the header files you typically 'prototype' the class definition so that all of your class members can be used, not just ones defined before the current code.

Please review: *.h or *.hpp for your class definitions

edited May 23 '17 at 12:02

Community

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answered Nov 16 '13 at 20:47

James McDonnell

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Thanks replying to me.. If you check out this question: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/20020716/boost-python-exposing-a-class I'm linking everything right, it just does not work – Phorce Nov 16 '13 at 20:51
Could you post the code in all your files? Not the boost ones? – James McDonnell Nov 16 '13 at 21:03
In here, or, the actual question? :) – Phorce Nov 16 '13 at 21:04
stick it on pastebin or something. – James McDonnell Nov 16 '13 at 21:13
http://ideone.com/bcRJfl There you go. The '.h' and '.cpp' are in separate files.. I've also included the Makefile.. Any help whatsoever would be appreciated, been working at this all night. – Phorce Nov 16 '13 at 21:17
Is your makefile in a different directory then your .h and .cpp files? – James McDonnell Nov 16 '13 at 21:26
let us [continue this discussion in chat](http://chat.stackoverflow.com/rooms/41327/discussion-between-phorce-and-james-mcdonnell) – Phorce Nov 16 '13 at 21:27

When to use .hpp files

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