Header-Only C Code: Is It a Best Practice or a Risky Approach?

Header-Only Code: A Risky Proposition for C Development

In C programming, a common debate arises regarding the placement of class definitions: should they reside in a separate header file or alongside the declarations in a .cpp file? While some argue for the latter, a colleague insists on placing all declarations and definitions in the header file itself, claiming it's the universally adopted practice.

However, the truth lies elsewhere. The prevalent approach, widely accepted by most C programmers, involves segregating declarations and definitions into separate files. This allows for more efficient compilation, as modifications to an implementation file don't require recompilation of the entire program. Additionally, it prevents circular dependencies between classes that can arise when definitions are intertwined in the header.

While header-only code may occasionally enhance inlining opportunities, it has significant drawbacks that far outweigh its perceived benefits. The primary issue lies in exponentially increasing compilation times, as the entire code must be processed each time the header is included. Furthermore, header-only libraries preclude the use of forward declarations, which would further prolong compilation time.

In summary, while header-only code may have a limited utility in the realm of templates, segregating declarations into header files and definitions into separate .cpp files remains the cornerstone of effective C development. This approach ensures optimal compilation times, eliminates circular dependencies, and maintains a clear separation of concerns.

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