Why You Should Avoid Using #include <bits/stdc++.h> While Writing Code?
Published: 2023-06-07 05:26:29

#include <bits/stdc++.h> is considered as quite a useful header file that is being used by all the programmers! 

When you use an include statement in one or more code, you may often get stuck at which code to use for the particular statement. 

In that case, you may need to know about why [#include <bits/stdc++.h>](https://www.codingninjas.com/codestudio/library/how-does-include-bitsstdcpph-work-in-cpp) can prove bad for your programs. 

Well, there can be several reasons of why the 
include bits/stdc++.h should not be included in a code. 

All these reasons are compiled in this blog post so that you will come to know about them in a better way. 

Without any delay, let’s get started!

#include <bits/stdc++.h> 

#include <bits/stdc++.h> is touted as a header file that programmers use in the code to include it well in the standard libraries. This header file is ideal to use in the contests where you want to save time of adding various header files. 

The include bits stdc++ h is known as the precompiled header file which includes all types of standard libraries in a code. This is an excellent way to minimise the include statement with other statements. 

Though, it should be utilised cautiously as it may enhance the size or speed time of your compiled programs; these statements are basically known to eliminate the need of writing header files for all codes. 

Most of the coders or programmers make intense use of this include statement in the statement to generate highly efficient code. The best thing about these header statements is that they can help you minimise the time required to include too many header statements. 

That is why this statement is particularly used in the programming contests as the ranks in this case may not depend on time.

Moreover, the statement also helps in eliminating the unnecessary codes. Thus, making them even smaller and efficient in your entire code working so that you can use them whenever you want without much botheration. 

Need to avoid using the #include <bits/stdc++.h> 

There are several reasons that may restrict you to not use the 
#include <bits/stdc++.h>  while writing the code. These reasons are explained below:

Efficiency and better performance

While including the #include <bits/stdc++.h> file, will automatically reduce the performance of a program as it contributes towards the overheads. 




Imagine you want to write the code by simply printing the output statement with cout. You can include several header files like < vector> , < string>, <random>. 

The compiler actually needs to parse or store so many headers with several types of data and it may become complicated to some extent. Because, the program may not be able to take the cue on what to execute and why there is a need to execute it?

Encouraging good coding habits 

Making use of the #include <bits/stdc++.h> can be bad for the compiler performance as agreed upon by most experienced and well-known programmers. 

But still, there are several programmers who use it to write different types of programs. Some of these programmers are too accustomed to use these types of header files as they often get confused as which header file will be required for what type of functionality or purpose. 

Doing this practice may prove harmful for them as when they start writing codes at the new workplace they may need some time to find which header file is required to run a particular program. 

By not making the use of #include <bits/stdc++.h> will help you familiarise with the C++ headers to know about all the cases or scenarios in which it needs to be applied.

Avoiding the compile error 

When you are writing programs in various programming languages, you need to know about them in detail. For example; you should have adequate knowledge of C++, Java alongside their fundamental concepts, syntax, C++ vs Java differences and other useful knowledge to write programs in them. 

Otherwise, the compiler errors may arise in this situation. Moreover, these compiler errors may also arise while using several header files like #include <bits/stdc++.h>. 

It is noteworthy that the #include <bits/stdc++.h> is not a standard header in C++ as it is not supported by all compilers. Some IDEs may not support these types of compilers as adding this kind of header file in them may give you several warnings like; this is the internal header file which includes other library headers. Don’t use it directly in the program. 

In this case or in the case of C++ builders, your program has chances of not getting better compilation if this header file is being used. 

Not a good supporting header file 

For every coder or programmer, a noteworthy thing is that the 
include bits/stdc++.h is not a header file that is being supported by all the compilers.

Though, certain programmers or coders may not understand it and try to use it in compiling several programming languages. 

Other disadvantages

There are several other disadvantages that may also restrict the programmers to use this header file. These includes:

This type of header file generally includes quite useless stuff. It may increase the size of your program and the compile time of a code 
This type of header file is not considered portable as it is not considered to be part of C++ standards. Therefore, we need to avoid it 
Every time the compiler will import the header file it can recursively scratch the file for compiling the codes 
It also follows the bad strategy of skipping the other header files and not making clear distinctions between C++ vs Java header files

**Wrapping up **

#include <bits/stdc++.h> is a header file that the programmers or coders should avoid using in a statement. You can know about the reasons why avoiding it is necessary to run your codes in a smooth and highly efficient way.

Happy learning!