File inclusion

The &include directive instructs the preprocessor to include a file.

Syntax

&include "filename"

filename is searched first in the directory containing the current file, then in the directories listed in the include path. (-I option). The file name can be followed by spaces and comments.

Usage

The included file will be scanned and processed before continuing with the rest of the current file.

Source: File A

First line 
&include "B"
Third line

Source: File B

Second line

Result:

& 1 "A"
First line 
& 1 "B"
Second line 
& 3 "A"
Third line

These preprocessor directives inform the compiler of its current location with special preprocessor comments, so the compiler can provide the right error message when a syntax error occurs.

The preprocessor-generated comments use the following format:

& number "filename"

where:

number is the current line in the preprocessed file
filename is the current file name

Recursive inclusions

Recursive inclusions are not allowed. Doing so will fail and output an error message.

The following example is incorrect:

Source: File A

&include "B"

Source: File B

HELLO
&include "A"

fglcomp -M A.4gl output

B.4gl:2:1:2:1:error:(-8029) Multiple inclusion of the source file 'A'.

Including the same file several times is allowed:

Source: File A

&include "B"
&include "B"  -- correct

Source: File B

HELLO

Result:

& 1 "A"
& 1 "B"
HELLO
& 2 "A"
& 1 "B"
HELLO