# E

Causes the preprocessor to send output to stdout.

## Syntax

Linux: | -E

macOS: | -E

Windows: | /E

## Arguments

None

## Default

OFF | Preprocessed source files are output to the compiler.

## Description

This option causes the preprocessor to send output to stdout. Compilation stops when the files have been preprocessed.

When you specify this option, the compiler's preprocessor expands your source module and writes the result to stdout. The preprocessed source contains #line directives, which the compiler uses to determine the source file and line number.

## IDE Equivalent

None

## Alternate Options

None

## Example

To preprocess two source files and write them to stdout, enter the following command:

On Windows* systems:

    icl /E prog1.cpp prog2.cpp

On Linux* systems:

    icpc -E prog1.cpp prog2.cpp

On macOS* systems:

    icl -E prog1.cpp prog2.cpp

    icpc -E prog1.cpp prog2.cpp

Parent topic: Preprocessor Options