Abstract

A single file approach for class implementation in C++ programming language is addressed in this thesis. The objective of this thesis is to find a simple and efficient class implementation approach for C++ programming language. The current C++ class implementation named as "two files approach" has many drawbacks and also has some advantages. This thesis develops a new approach, the single file approach, which keeps the two files approach's advantages and eliminates its disadvantages. In the single file approach the developer puts all class information into one file and thus it is easier for the developer to develop only one file (canonical file) for class information. In this thesis a preprocessor program is developed to generate four different files from the canonical file, i.e. the header file and the implementation file for the compiler, and two documentation (interfaces) files for clients. These output files do not have the interface and implementation files' drawbacks of the two files approach. Also, in the single file approach the separation of class information is done automatically which saves the developer's time.