The assert() macro in C/C++

Alexis Wilke — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 05:06:00 +0000

This is a subject that comes back all the time in C/C++ boards.

Should you use assertions?

The answer is clearly yes. But the C/C++ assert() function is usually defined using a macro. Macros have several problems. The most common ones are: they offer no type checking, they do not warn you about weird side effects, they have a different syntax than the C/C++ language itself.

One good thing: for a fast program, the debug code used to check parameters, results, etc. is gone.

Made to Order Software Corporation - assert

The assert() macro in C/C++