# A, QA

Specifies an identifier for an assertion.

## Syntax

Linux and macOS: | -A name[(value)]

Windows: | /QA name[(value)]

## Arguments

name | Is the identifier for the assertion.
value | Is an optional value for the assertion. If a value is specified, it must be within quotes, including the parentheses delimiting it.

## Default

OFF | Assertions have no identifiers or symbol names.

## Description

This option specifies an identifier (symbol name) for an assertion. It is equivalent to an #assert preprocessing directive.

Note that this option is not the positive form of the C++ /QA- option.

On Linux* systems, because GCC has deprecated assertions, this option has no effect.

## IDE Equivalent

Visual Studio: None

Eclipse: None

Xcode: Preprocessor > Undefine All Preprocessor Definitions

## Alternate Options

None

## Example

To make an assertion for the identifier fruit with the associated values orange and banana use the following command.

On Windows* systems:

    icl /QA"fruit(orange,banana)" prog1.cpp

On Linux* systems:

    icpc -A"fruit(orange,banana)" prog1.cpp

On macOS systems:

    icl++ -A"fruit(orange,banana)" prog1.cpp

    icpc -A"fruit(orange,banana)" prog1.cpp

Parent topic: Preprocessor Options