What are C++ preprocessor directives and macros?

What are C++ preprocessor directives and macros?

C++ preprocessor directives are commands that give instructions to the compiler to preprocess the source code before actual compilation. Macros are a type of directive that allows you to define reusable code snippets.

Can you give me an example of a macro?

Sure! A simple example of a macro is: #define SQUARE(x) ((x) * (x)). This defines a macro that calculates the square of a number.

How do I use this macro in my code?

You can use it like this: int result = SQUARE(5); This will replace SQUARE(5) with ((5) * (5)) during preprocessing.

Are there any drawbacks to using macros?

Yes, macros can lead to code that is harder to debug and maintain. They don't have type safety and can cause unexpected behavior if not used carefully.