The C compiler preprocessor is a sneaky and powerful thing. I’m unsure of any other programming languages that have such a tool.
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\nFor example, you can redefine pretty much the entire language, not only keywords but operators and elements of syntax. To wit, this code compiles and runs:<\/p>\n
\r\nbegin program\r\nstart\r\nprint(\"Hello!\")\r\nend\r\nstop<\/pre>\nThis code outputs the text
Hello!<\/code>. It compiles using any C compiler. It works. Of course, this example isn’t the entire code. That’s because a series of#define<\/code> preprocessor directives creates the faux code. When the preprocessor is done, the compiler recognizes everything and creates a program.<\/p>\nYour task for this month’s Exercise is to write the complete C program. It contains the lines listed above, which are the final lines of code. But your solution also features a series of preprocessor directives that make everything work. You must properly code those directives.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to view my solution.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
How can this code possibly compile in C? Continue reading