hedley
A C/C++ header file that eliminates platform-specific #ifdefs by providing portable macros for static analysis, optimizations, and API management.
What is hedley?
Hedley is a C/C++ header file designed to eliminate platform-specific #ifdef preprocessor directives from code. It provides a portable set of macros for compiler hints, static analysis, API management, and optimizations, making cross-platform development cleaner and more maintainable. The library abstracts away compiler and platform differences so developers can focus on writing logic rather than conditional compilation.
C and C++ developers working on cross-platform projects who need to manage compiler-specific features, optimize performance, or maintain clean codebases free of #ifdef clutter.
Developers choose Hedley because it centralizes platform-specific macros into a single, well-tested header, reducing code duplication and improving readability. Its safe design ensures compatibility across Hedley versions and graceful degradation on unsupported platforms.
Overview
A C/C++ header to help move #ifdefs out of your code
Use Cases
Best For
- Writing portable C/C++ code that needs to run on multiple compilers and platforms
- Reducing #ifdef clutter in cross-platform libraries or applications
- Adding compiler-specific optimizations without manual conditional compilation
- Managing API visibility and versioning in public libraries
- Improving static analysis warnings across different compiler environments
- Ensuring C and C++ interoperability in mixed-language projects
Not Ideal For
- Projects exclusively targeting a single, stable compiler environment like MSVC-only Windows applications
- Codebases relying on non-standard compiler extensions not abstracted by Hedley, such as specific GPU vendor intrinsics
- Teams that prioritize minimal dependencies and prefer manual #ifdef control over third-party abstractions
Pros & Cons
Pros
Hedley replaces platform-specific #ifdefs with a unified interface, making cross-platform code cleaner and more maintainable, as highlighted in the brief description.
Provides macros for better compiler warnings and errors to catch issues early, directly from the Key Features section.
Offers macros for symbol visibility and versioning, helping manage public APIs and reduce binary size, as described in the features list.
Newer versions redefine macros safely, and older versions are ignored, ensuring backward and forward compatibility without breakage, per the README.
Cons
Heavy reliance on macros can obfuscate code and increase compilation time, making debugging more challenging—a trade-off not addressed in the documentation.
Hedley abstracts common compiler directives but may not handle all platform-specific nuances or newer extensions, potentially requiring fallback #ifdefs for edge cases.
Full documentation is hosted externally at nemequ.github.io/hedley/, which could hinder offline access or quick local reference, as noted in the README.
Frequently Asked Questions
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