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The only solution for mitigating ambiguity of a file, such as my_libraryOLD.h, is to rename old files with either a prefix (that would fall within the first eight characters) or add an extension (such as my_library.h.old).
Exceptions
PRE08-C-EX1: Although the C Standard requires only the first eight characters in the file name to be significant, most modern systems have long file names, and compilers on such systems can typically differentiate them. Consequently, long file names in headers may be used, provided that all the implementations to which the code is ported can distinguish between these file names.
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Failing to guarantee uniqueness of header files may result in the inclusion of an older version of a header file, which may include incorrect macro definitions or obsolete function prototypes or result in other errors that may or may not be detected by the compiler. Portability issues may also stem from the use of header names that are not guaranteed to be unique.
Recommendation | Severity | Likelihood | Remediation Cost | Priority | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PRE08-C | Low | Unlikely | Medium | P2 | L3 |
Automated Detection
| Tool | Version | Checker | Description |
|---|
| Axivion Bauhaus Suite |
|
|
|
| CertC-PRE08 |
Fully implemented
|
|
|
IF_DUPL_HEADER
CC2.PRE08 | Fully implemented | |
| Helix QAC |
|
|
|
| C5002 |
Related Vulnerabilities
Search for vulnerabilities resulting from the violation of this rule on the CERT website.
Related Guidelines
Bibliography
| [ISO/IEC 9899:2011] | Subclause 6.10.2, "Source File Inclusion" |
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