Cross-Platform C++ code and single header - multiple implementations

Question

I have heard that a way to write Cross Platform c++ code is to define classes as follows (for example, a Window class):

window.h
window_win32.cpp
window_linux.cp         


        

Answer 1

I would only add a 5) bullet to @Laethnes' answer

5) Write an empty header that includes, at compile-time, the platform header and hide the platform-specific class under a typedef

// MyClass.hpp

#if defined(WINDOWS)
#    include "WINMyClass.hpp"
     typedef WINMyClass MyClass
#elif defined(OSX)
#    include "OSXMyClass.hpp"
     typedef OSXMyClass MyClass

   ...  // keep going

#endif

Pros:

• it's only a typedef, very simple
• good readibility
• speed

Cons:

• it's only a typedef