Conditional selection of code using #ifdef

The preprocessor has a conditional statement similar to C's if else. It can be used to selectively include statements in a program. This is often used where two different computer types implement a feature in different ways. It allows the programmer to produce a program which will run on either type.

The keywords for conditional selection are; #ifdef, #else and #endif.

#ifdef

takes a name as an argument, and returns true if the the name has a current definition. The name may be defined using a #define, the -d option of the compiler, or certain names which are automatically defined by the UNIX environment.

#else

is optional and ends the block beginning with #ifdef. It is used to create a 2 way optional selection.

#endif

ends the block started by #ifdef or #else.

Where the #ifdef is true, statements between it and a following #else or #endif are included in the program. Where it is false, and there is a following #else, statements between the #else and the following #endif are included.

This is best illustrated by an example.

• Using #ifdef for Different Computer Types
• Using #ifdef to Temporarily Remove Program Statements

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