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c++cexternlinkage

C and C++ linkage with extern "C"


I have a C++ function defined in a .h file as follows and implemented in a .cpp file:

extern "C" void func(bool first, float min, float* state[6], float* err[6][6])
{
    //uses vectors and classes and other C++ constructs
}

How can I call func in a C file? How do I set up my file architecture / makefile to compile this?

Thanks!


Solution

  • To call it in C, all you need to do is call it normally. Because you told the compiler to use the C calling conventions and ABI with extern "C", you can call it normally:

    func(args);
    

    To compiler, use this for the C++:

    g++ -c -o myfunc.o myfunc.cpp
    

    Then this for the C:

    gcc -c -o main.o somec.c
    

    Than link:

    g++ -o main main.o myfunc.o
    

    Make sure that the C++ header for the function uses ONLY C CONSTRUCTS. So include things like <vector> in the .cpp file instead.