(C++) external linkage

 

'A name has external linkage if, in a multi-file program, that name can interact with other translation units at link-time' [1].

 

Avoid data with external linkage at file scope [2].

 

Avoid free functions with external linkage (including operator functions) in implementation (.cpp) files [3].

 

 

 

 

References

 

1. John Lakos. Large-Scale C++ Software Design. 1996. ISBN: 0-201-63362-0. Chapter 1.1.2, page 24: 'DEFINITION: A name has external linkage if, in a multi-file program, that name can interact with other translation units at link time.'
2. John Lakos. Large-Scale C++ Software Design. 1996. ISBN: 0-201-63362-0. Chapter 2.3.1, page 70: 'Avoid data with external linkage at file scope'
3. John Lakos. Large-Scale C++ Software Design. 1996. ISBN: 0-201-63362-0. Chapter 2.3.2, page 72: 'Avoid free functions (except operator functions) at file scope in .h files; avoid free functions with external linkage (including operator functions) in .c files