Split .zng Headers: Solution For Large Generated H Files

Introduction

Hey guys! With the merging of #43, we're facing a potential issue: the exponential increase in the size of our generated.h files. This article dives into a solution for splitting this massive file into multiple, more manageable headers. We'll explore the challenges, propose a strategy, and walk through an example to illustrate the concept. The goal here is to ensure our generated headers remain maintainable and efficient, even as our projects grow in complexity. Let's break down the problem and get into the proposed solution.

The Problem: Massive generated.h Files

So, the core problem we're tackling here is the potential for massive generated.h files. The more complex our projects become, and the more .zng files we import, the larger this single header file grows. This can lead to several issues, including increased compilation times, difficulties in navigating the code, and a general reduction in code maintainability. With the recent merge of #43, this issue is only going to become more pronounced, making it crucial to address it proactively. Imagine trying to sift through a header file that's thousands of lines long – not exactly a fun task, right? So, let's look at how we can chop things up into smaller, more manageable chunks.

One of the biggest factors contributing to this issue is the way symbols are handled across different .zng files. Symbols, especially those from standard libraries like std, can be reopened in multiple .zng files. This means that the FFI (Foreign Function Interface) code for these symbols needs to be generated in a way that's accessible from all the relevant files. The current approach of dumping everything into a single generated.h file doesn't scale well in this scenario. It's like trying to fit all your clothes into one giant suitcase – eventually, you'll run out of space and things will get messy. We need a better organizational strategy to keep our header files clean and efficient.

To put it simply, the current system isn't designed to handle the complexity of large projects with numerous dependencies and shared symbols. This is where the need for a solution that splits the generated.h file into multiple headers becomes apparent. By breaking the monolithic header into smaller, more focused files, we can improve compilation times, make the codebase easier to navigate, and ultimately enhance the overall development experience. It's about making things scalable and maintainable in the long run. Think of it as moving from a single, overflowing suitcase to a set of well-organized luggage – much easier to handle, right?

Proposed Solution: Splitting generated.h into Multiple Headers

Okay, so how do we tackle this beast? The proposed solution involves splitting the generated.h file into multiple headers. At first glance, creating a header for each crate that contributes symbols to the ZngurSpec seems like a straightforward approach. However, as we've discussed, the reality is more complex due to symbols being