Avoiding the 'Using Namespace std' Pitfall: The Best Practices of #include

Hello and welcome! There is a world of difference between using #include iostream and using namespace std. The latter is a very bad and outdated practice that should not be presented in modern times. In this article, we will delve into the differences and why #include iostream is the recommended practice.

Understanding the Differences

The #include iostream directive instructs the preprocessor, the first tool used in the compilation process, to copy recursively the whole content of an iostream header file and the header files it includes. On the other hand, using namespace std is a deprecated practice that causes all functionalities within the std namespace to be used without the need to prefix them with std::.

A Flashback to 1998

In 1998, C introduced namespaces and moved all the functionalities of the standard library to the std namespace. However, C was already commercially used since 1985, which meant that a plethora of codes written before 1998 would have to be modified to comply with the new standard. Adding std:: to each place in the code would have been extremely time-consuming and unnecessary.

To solve this problem, the C committee introduced the using namespace std directive. This directive allows all features within the std namespace to be used without specifying the namespace. Compilers modify the preprocessor in a way that if this directive is added to a header file, all files including or indirectly including that file will respect the rule indicated by this directive, thus allowing the use of std:: functionalities without explicitly specifying them.

Why #include iostream is the Preferred Practice

As we move to the present day, most of the codes you encounter will have been written after the year 1998. These codes ideally should follow the new standard or one of the subsequent ones. The use of using namespace std is no longer necessary and is considered outdated. Including iostream using #include iostream is the preferred practice as it adheres to modern coding standards and practices.

Conclusion

To summarize, the use of #include iostream is a recommended practice in modern C programming. Avoid the pitfalls of using namespace std, which can lead to potential naming conflicts and decreased code readability. Adhering to modern coding practices will not only enhance the quality of your code but will also ensure it is more maintainable and easier to understand.