CO2402 Advanced Programming with C++ Lecture 7 Notes

CO2402: Advanced Programming
with C++ Lecture 7



Introduction to Multiple Source Files

1. Importance of Multiple Files

o Breaking down code into several source files is a best practice
for maintaining and organizing large projects. It allows for
modularity, making code easier to manage, debug, and
maintain.

Example: In object-oriented programming, it is common to
place each class in its own source file.



2. Creating and Managing Files in an IDE

o Adding New Files: Right-click in "Solution Explorer" and
select "Add" -> "New Item" or "Existing Item".

o Removing Files: Right-click in "Solution Explorer" and select
"Remove".



Header Files in C++

1. Purpose of Header Files

o Header files (with extensions .hpp or .h) contain declarations
of classes, functions, constants, and global variables. They
provide a way to share these declarations among multiple
source files.

, Example:




2. Contents of Header Files

o Declarations: Header files contain declarations but not
definitions. For example, they declare the existence of a class or
function without providing the implementation.

3. Example: Using Header Files and Source Files

o Header File (CDetails.hpp): Contains class declaration.

o Source File (CDetails.cpp): Contains class definitions.