clang-tidy - readability-avoid-unconditional-preprocessor-if — Extra Clang Tools 18.1.8 documentation

# Extra Clang Tools 18.1.8 documentation

## clang-tidy - readability-avoid-unconditional-preprocessor-if

# readability-avoid-unconditional-preprocessor-if

Finds code blocks that are constantly enabled or disabled in preprocessor directives by analyzing `#if` conditions, such as `#if 0` and `#if 1`, etc.

    #if 0
        // some disabled code
    #endif

    #if 1
       // some enabled code that can be disabled manually
    #endif

Unconditional preprocessor directives, such as `#if 0` for disabled code and `#if 1` for enabled code, can lead to dead code and always enabled code, respectively. Dead code can make understanding the codebase more difficult, hinder readability, and may be a sign of unfinished functionality or abandoned features. This can cause maintenance issues, confusion for future developers, and potential compilation problems.

As a solution for both cases, consider using preprocessor macros or defines, like `#ifdef DEBUGGING_ENABLED`, to control code enabling or disabling. This approach provides better coordination and flexibility when working with different parts of the codebase. Alternatively, you can comment out the entire code using `/* */` block comments and add a hint, such as `@todo`, to indicate future actions.