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I have two include file headers

#include "stdafx.h"
#include "psapi.h"

However it gives a cannot open source file "stdafx.h" compile time error. I am using Visual Studios 2010. Is "stdafx.h" even necessary? I think so because the program cannot compile if i take it away.

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Visual Studio uses it for "precompiled headers" feature. If you are not experienced with Visual Studio, I would recommend to keep the stdafx.h in the project.

And of course, if you #include it, you ought to have it.

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4 Comments

And if you include it, then you have to include it FIRST in every compilation unit. The preprocessor will IGNORE every leading line before encountering #include "stdafx.h". You can put anything before, no syntax error.
@Benoit: My Visual Studio (2010) reports something (at least a warning) when stdafx.h is not the first include.
Note: if any one file includes stdafx.h, then they all should. I had problems where only one file (from 3rd party) used it, so I had to include it in all my header files. I prefer not to use it. My projects aren't big enough to notice any time saved by precompiling; with Visual Studion, the hassle is not worth the savings.
@Benoit: Your comment should be an answer! I was puzzled for quite some time, when I encountered this error for I found no reasonable explanation! Thanks!
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stdafx.h is used for precompiled headers. It is not necessary, but disabling the compiler feature can be a little tricky if you have never done it before. If you have it, then you must compile 'stdafx.cpp' before compiling anything else.

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