PRB: C2059 Error Using extern "C" in .C Source Files

• The Microsoft C/C++ Compiler included with: - Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Edition, versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 4.0,

       4.1, 5.0
  

SUMMARY

Use of "extern "C"" in source files that have a .C extension causes error C2059, and results in this error message:

   error C2059:syntax error:'string'

CAUSE

In the C language, the string-literal "C" is not recognized. It is used in C++ to prevent name decoration.

RESOLUTION

Remove the string-literal "C" in extern declarations, or use the following in the function declaration:

   #ifdef __cplusplus
      extern "C"
   #endif

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Sample Code to Reproduce Behavior

   /* Compile options needed: None
      The following program reproduces the behavior if ths source
      file has .C extension
   */

   #include <windows.h>

   extern "C" _declspec(dllexport) BOOL WINAPI function1(void);

   BOOL WINAPI DllMain ( HINSTANCE hInst, DWORD dwReason,
                           LPVOID lpReserved)
   {
      // Other required code goes here.
      return TRUE;
   }