PRB: Compiler Prints Filename But Does Not Compile the Program

• The Microsoft C/C++ Compiler (CL.EXE) included with: - Microsoft C for MS-DOS, versions 5.0, 5.1, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0ax - Microsoft C/C++ for MS-DOS, version 7.0 - Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows, versions 1.0, 1.5, 1.51 - Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Edition, versions 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, 4.0, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

Using the Microsoft C/C++ compiler, if your program prints out your filename after you type in the following:

   cl filename.c

CAUSE

The C compiler is a three-pass compiler, and invokes the files C1.EXE, C2.EXE, and C3.EXE for C versions 5.1, 6.0, 6.0a, and 6.0ax. To determine what files are being invoked for C/C++ 7.0 and Visual C++ 1.0, add the /d compiler switch to the command line; for Visual C++ 2.xx and above, add the /Bd switch. Different files will be used depending on whether it is a C or C++ source file.

If there are any other files with these names on the path before the compiler, then the compiler may incorrectly execute the wrong file.

RESOLUTION

There is a compiler switch, /d or /Bd, that will enable you to print out which files are being invoked during each pass of the compiler. Use this to determine if the wrong files are being called by the compiler.