Header file
A header file is a source file containing declarations, definitions, macros, or other interface information intended for inclusion in one or more source files during compilation.
Modern C, Third Edition
A header file is a source file containing declarations, macro definitions, and related information intended to be included by other source files.
- How it is used
- Organizes C library and project interfaces so source files can obtain declarations and related definitions through inclusion.
- How deep it goes
- Defines declarations, scope, and interface separation, but defers detailed header implementation mechanics.
- Examples
- Uses standard-header tables, printf and typedef declarations, EXIT_SUCCESS, terminal documentation commands, and custom-interface organization.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via standard and project headers to expose declarations while keeping interface documentation separate from implementation.
Modern C
A header file is a source file containing declarations and other material intended for inclusion before compilation.
- How it is used
- Bundles declarations into interfaces that can be included before compiling C source files.
- How deep it goes
- Explains declarations, interface grouping, dependencies, and include guards, but defers detailed library semantics to platform documentation.
- Examples
- Uses stdio.h, stdlib.h, printf, standard-library headers, and a guarded project header named brian.h.
- What you can do after
- Build interfaces from scratch by grouping related declarations, dependencies, documentation, and include guards in a project header.
Related concepts
- inline functionconfigured by · An inline function is a function defined or designated for incorporation at its use site, either syntactically or through compiler substitution, rather than necessarily invoked through an ordinary call.
- C standard libraryused by · The C standard library is the standardized collection of functions, macros, types, and related facilities provided for C programs.
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