Extract Implementation From Header

This is a C++ refactoring:

You have a class that is implemented completely within its own header and you want to hide its implementation from its clients.

Move all the method bodies out of the header file and into a new implementation file. Move as many #includes out of the header file into the implementation file as possible, replacing them in the header with forward declarations.

[ToDo: provide a summary of the mechanics]

Motivation
You probably want to do this to reduce dependencies either to decrease compile times or to remove a circular dependency.

Mechanics
[ToDo: actually try doing this refactoring using these instructions to ensure that I haven't left anything out]

[ToDo: include an example]

--PhilGoodwin


CategoryRefactoring CategoryCpp
EditText of this page (last edited November 14, 2000)
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