Pragma

Noun · Development

Definitions

  1. A compiler directive that provides instructions outside the normal language grammar. From the Greek 'pragma' (deed). In C/C++ it is #pragma, in Solidity it specifies the compiler version, and in SQL databases it configures engine behavior (e.g., PRAGMA journal_mode=WAL in SQLite).

    In plain English: A special instruction to the compiler or tool that says 'handle this file in a particular way' — it changes behavior without being part of the actual code logic.

    Example: "#pragma once at the top of the header file prevents double-inclusion — simpler than include guards."

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