use of __cplusplus in python source

Question

What is the use of following in the header files in python source

#ifdef __cplusplus
extern "C" {
#endif

Does it means Python provides us to build code using C++ compiler. If yes, then are there any differences between building the python source using C and C++ compiler

This means you can build Python itself with a C/C++ compiler. — ForceBru
– ForceBru, Commented Jan 24, 2017 at 8:28
I cannot imagine any advantage in using a C++ compiler (for base python) instead of C. One reason for these might be to allow extension modules written in C++ to use them. See also boost.org/doc/libs/1_39_0/libs/python/doc/index.html — cdarke
– cdarke, Commented Jan 24, 2017 at 9:25

StoryTeller - Unslander Monica · Accepted Answer · 2017-01-24 08:28:53Z

5

The Python API is still pure C. These directives simply allow for the inclusion of the header in C++ code.

The __cplusplus macro is defined implicitly when compiling code with a C++ compiler. So this way the extern "C" specification is added only when the compiler that sees it will support it.

answered Jan 24, 2017 at 8:28

StoryTeller - Unslander Monica

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