Syntax for Function Prototyping in Header Files

Question

Consider I have the following function prototype:

void MyFunction(int MyParameter);

With the following definition:

void MyFunction(int MyParameter)
{
    // Do stuff here.
}

Where should they each be put if I have a header file (no main function) with a namespace? Does the prototype go in the namespace and the definition outside it? Or do they both go in?

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 06 '10 at 15:45

2

If you choose to have a namespace, both should be inside :

.h :

namespace MyNameSpace {
void MyFunction(int MyParameter);
}

.cpp :

void MyNameSpace::MyFunction(int MyParameter)
{
    // Do stuff here.
}

answered Dec 06 '10 at 15:45

Xavier V.

6,068
6
30
35

On an unrelated sidenote, why does the second file have to be a .cpp? – Maxpm Dec 06 '10 at 15:50
It does not have to be ".cpp". It must be something recognizable by your C++ compiler. Like .c, .cpp or .cxx for examples – Xavier V. Dec 06 '10 at 15:52
Is that just for debugging purposes (seeing if there are any syntax errors), or is there another reason? – Maxpm Dec 06 '10 at 15:54
1

You can have a look at http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1545080/correct-c-code-file-extension-cc-vs-cpp for more informations – Xavier V. Dec 06 '10 at 15:56

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 06 '10 at 15:43

1

If your prototype is not in the namespace, then you do not have to put the definition in the namespace. If the prototype is in a namespace, the definition should be in the same namespace.

answered Dec 06 '10 at 15:43

wkl

77,184
16
165
176

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Dec 06 '10 at 15:43

0

They both have to be in the namespace

answered Dec 06 '10 at 15:43

ognian

11,451
4
35
33

Syntax for Function Prototyping in Header Files

3 Answers3