File inclusion

Syntax

&include "filename"

1. filename is the file to be included during preprocessing. filename can be a relative or an absolute path. To specify a path, the slash (/) directory separator can be used for UNIX™ and Windows® platforms.

Usage

The file to be included is searched first in the directory containing the current file, then in the directorie(s) provided with -I option.

The filename argument can be followed by spaces and comments.

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

First line 
&include "B"
Third line

Second line

& 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.

& 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:

&include "B"

HELLO
&include "A"

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

Including the same file several times is allowed:

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

HELLO

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

File path

In the &include "filename" macro, filename can be a relative or an absolute path.

&include "../include/common.inc"