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Compiler-generated Decorated Function Names

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A decorated function name, or simply, a decorated name, is a string created by the compiler during compilation of the function definition or prototype. Functions in C and C++ programs are known internally by their decorated names.

Although in most circumstances, you do not need to know the decorated name of a function, certain situations require that you specify the name in its decorated form. For example, you must specify the decorated name of overloaded C++ functions, and special member functions such as constructor and destructor functions in order for LINK and other tools to be able to match the name. In addition, assembly source files reference C or C++ function names using the function decorated name.

You can use Dumpbin.exe to get the decorated form of a function by running DUMPBIN on the .obj or .lib file using the /SYMBOLS option. The output from this run shows the undecorated function name followed by the decorated name, and encloses each function name in parentheses.

See Also

About Microprocessor Compilers | Supported Compilers | Compiler Setup Mechanisms | Compiler Options | File Name Extensions and Compiler Processing | Format of a C ++ Decorated Name

 Last updated on Thursday, April 08, 2004

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