C++ Visual Studio Boost Warnings

How to Turn Off Benign Warnings in VC++ 9 When Using Boost

When working with the Boost library in conjunction with VC++ 9 (also known as Visual C++ 2008), many developers encounter numerous benign warnings. This can disrupt the development process and create confusion, especially for those who are new to using these tools. Understanding how to eliminate these warnings effectively is crucial for a smoother experience in your coding projects. In this blog post, we will delve into the two primary types of warnings generated and provide clear, actionable steps to turn them off.

Common Warnings with VC++ 9 and Boost

The two main categories of warnings that developers might face when using Boost with VC++ 9 include:

  1. Warning about the /Wp64 setting.
  2. Warning about the compiler version.

These warnings may not cause any immediate issues but can clutter output and complicate debugging and maintenance processes. Let’s explore how to address these warnings.

Solution for Eliminating Warnings

1. Disabling the /Wp64 Warning

The first warning you might encounter is related to the /Wp64 setting, which is enabled by default in VC++ 9 projects. Here’s how you can turn it off:

  • Navigate to Project Properties:

    • Open your project in Visual Studio.
    • Go to Project Properties > C/C++ > General.

  • Find the /Wp64 Setting:

    • Locate the /Wp64 compiler option in the settings.

  • Disable the Option:

    • Change the setting to No (/Wp-). This will suppress the warning generated by this flag.

This simple adjustment will help streamline your build process by removing unnecessary noise from the compiler warnings.

2. Eliminating Compiler Version Warning

The second warning you might see pertains to the compiler version. To address this, you will need to modify an existing header file provided by Boost. Here’s how to do it:

  • Download the Latest Configuration Header:

    • Access the Boost repository online.
    • Locate the boost\boost\config\compiler\visualc.hpp header file.

  • Diff and Merge:

    • Compare the downloaded file with your existing visualc.hpp file. You are looking for sections that handle the _MSC_VER macro, which signifies the compiler version.
    • Specifically, find where _MSC_VER is set to 1800, which corresponds to VC++ 9 (Visual C++ 2008).

  • Make Necessary Changes:

    • Merge the relevant code sections from the new file into your current configuration file. This ensures that the compiler recognizes your version correctly and suppresses any related warnings.

Conclusion

Managing benign warnings when using Boost with VC++ 9 doesn’t need to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce the clutter in your development process, allowing you to focus more on writing quality code without distraction.

Don’t let warnings slow you down! With these adjustments, you can create a more productive development environment and enjoy your programming journey with Boost and Visual C++.

Feel free to leave comments or questions in the section below! Happy coding!