what is header files in embedded c programming

[bbgil]

hi. i'm learning embedded c, and i came across this header files in one of the example project of MikroC, Display1_utils.h . i try not to use it but i didn't work. What is the purpose header files? i check the header and it only contain a single line. Any explanation here is appreciated. thnx in advance.

 

[LBdgWgt]

hi,

a little explenation:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Header_file

in short, ehader file is very useful to make modular development, where the applicaiton is divided in to many source codes modules

regards,

 

[btbass]

It is easier to manage code if you split a program into files. It also promotes reusable code. For instance, you can write a file that just deals with PWM functions, one that just deals with A/D functions, one with just timer functions etc. The header file exposes only the function prototypes that are called from the main thread, so the linker may find them.
Declaring a function static in a file limits it's scope to that file.
Taking it further, the code in the file can be optimised and fully debugged, you can then compile it to a library. In future projects, you can include the header file and the linker will only link in the functions you call. So you get rapid application development with known good working code.