What is the purpose of the C preprocessor?
a) To process directives before compilation
b) To execute code at runtime
c) To manage memory allocation
d) To handle exceptions
Answer:
a) To process directives before compilation
Explanation:
The C preprocessor is a tool that processes directives before the actual compilation of the code begins. These directives, which begin with a # symbol (e.g., #include, #define, #ifdef), instruct the preprocessor to include files, define macros, and conditionally compile code, among other tasks. The preprocessor simplifies code and enhances readability by allowing conditional compilation and macro expansion.
Understanding the preprocessor is crucial for managing large codebases, optimizing performance, and controlling the compilation process, making it an essential part of C programming.