Glossary: Header File

A header file is any file that provides a standard code fragment that is to be included in a source file. Typically the source code for a class is divided into 2 files. For example MyClass:-

MyClass.h - the header file
MyClass.cxx - the implementation file

The header file provides the compiler with:-

The names and types of all member functions and data members
The names of all the classes from which the class inherits

That is to say all the information the compiler needs to create objects and send them messages. The implementation file contains the member function code. So, a class's header file loosely corresponds to its abstraction while the implementation file corresponds to its encapsulation.

See OO Concepts: Header and Implementation Files

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