# GS

Determines whether the compiler generates code that detects some buffer overruns.

## Syntax

Linux: | None

macOS: | None

Windows: | /GS[:keyword] /GS-

## Arguments

keyword | Specifies the level of stack protection heuristics used by the compiler. Possible values are:
off | Tells the compiler to ignore buffer overruns. This is the same as specifying /GS-.
partial | Tells the compiler to provide a stack protection level that is compatible with Microsoft* Visual Studio 2008.
strong | Tells the compiler to provide full stack security level checking. This setting is compatible with more recent Microsoft* Visual Studio stack protection heuristics. This is the same as specifying /GS with no keyword.

## Default

/GS- | The compiler does not detect buffer overruns.

## Description

This option determines whether the compiler generates code that detects some buffer overruns that overwrite a function's return address, exception handler address, or certain types of parameters.

This option has been added for Microsoft compatibility.

Following Visual Studio 2008, the Microsoft implementation of option /GS became more extensive (for example, more routines are protected). The performance of some programs may be impacted by the newer heuristics. In such cases, you may see better performance if you specify /GS:partial.

For more details about option /GS, see the Microsoft documentation.

## IDE Equivalent

None

## Alternate Options

Linux and macOS: -fstack-security-check

Windows: None

Parent topic: Data Options

## See Also

fstack-security-check compiler option
fstack-protector compiler option