FIX: Comma Acts Like CR/LF in Custom Build Options

• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Edition, versions 4.0, 4.1, 4.2
• Microsoft FORTRAN PowerStation 32 for Windows NT, version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

A comma used in the command line of the custom build options will be treated as a CR/LF unless the string containing the comma is enclosed in double quotation marks.

CAUSE

Commas are used as delimiters internally.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This bug was corrected in Visual C++ version 5.0.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Demonstrate Problem

1. Create or open a project.

2. Create a file that has an extension, such as Comma.p, that does not have built-in build rules. The content doesn't matter. Add this file to the project.

3. In build settings, select Comma.p, and click the Custom Build tab.

4. Put the following on the command line:

   cl -c -Tccomma.p -DCOMMA=',' -Dwhatever

5. Make Comma.obj the output file, and then click OK.

6. Return to the Build Settings dialog box, and notice that the custom build options have split into two lines:

   cl -c -Tccomma.p -DCOMMA='

      ' -Dwhatever
   
   

7. Replace the command with:

   cl -c -Tccomma.p -DCOMMA="','" -Dwhatever

8. Click OK, and then return to the Build Settings dialog box. The custom build options are now correct.