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c++includepragmainclude-guards

When to use include guards or #pragma once C++

Is it good practice to use your choice of either/both include guards and #pragma once in every header file, or just those with something such as a class declaration?

I am tempted to put it in every header, but I'm afraid it would be unneeded and only add to the compile time. What is good practice or common to do?

Let me clarify: I understand the difference between the two. I am asking whether by experience programmers use it in every file or just those that require it.

Solution

  • Summarizing the comment by Galik and what I realized:

    Include guards should be put in every header file in the case that something in the future conflicts. Furthermore, the small time it takes the compiler to process the include guards will make the compilation faster since the extra header does not need to be processed.