Pros & Cons of putting all code in Header files in C++?

Question

You can structure a C++ program so that (almost) all the code resides in Header files. It essentially looks like a C# or Java program. However, you do need at least one

Answer 1

I like to think about separation of .h and .cpp files in terms of interfaces and implementations. The .h files contain the interface descriptions to one more classes and the .cpp files contain the implementations. Sometimes there are practical issues or clarity that prevent a completely clean separation, but that's where I start. For example, small accessor functions I typically code inline in the class declaration for clarity. Larger functions are coded in the .cpp file

In any case, don't let compilation time dictate how you will structure your program. Better to have a program that's readable and maintainable over one that compiles in one 1.5 mintues instead of 2 minutes.