If you are a developer, you may have come across the error message 'One or More Multiply Defined Symbols Found' while compiling your code. This error message can be frustrating, especially if you are not familiar with the cause and solution. In this guide, we will explain what causes this error and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it.
What Causes the 'One or More Multiply Defined Symbols Found' Error?
This error message occurs when there are multiple definitions of the same symbol in your code. A symbol is a name that represents a variable, function, or object in your code. When the compiler encounters multiple definitions of the same symbol, it does not know which one to use, resulting in the error message.
The most common cause of this error is including the same header file multiple times in your code. When you include a header file, it defines symbols that are used by your code. If you include the same header file multiple times, the symbols are defined multiple times, resulting in the error message.
How to Resolve the 'One or More Multiply Defined Symbols Found' Error?
To resolve this error, you need to identify the duplicate symbols and remove them from your code. Here are the steps you can follow to do this:
Identify the duplicate symbols: The first step is to identify the symbols that are defined multiple times in your code. To do this, you can use the linker error message to identify the symbols that are causing the error.
Find the source of the duplicate symbols: Once you have identified the duplicate symbols, you need to find the source of the duplicate definitions. The most common cause is including the same header file multiple times.
Remove the duplicate symbols: Once you have identified the duplicate symbols and their source, remove the duplicate definitions from your code.
- Rebuild your code: After removing the duplicate symbols, rebuild your code to ensure that the error message is resolved.
FAQ
What is a symbol in programming?
A symbol is a name that represents a variable, function, or object in your code.
What causes the 'One or More Multiply Defined Symbols Found' error?
The most common cause of this error is including the same header file multiple times in your code.
How do I identify the duplicate symbols in my code?
You can use the linker error message to identify the symbols that are causing the error.
How do I find the source of the duplicate symbols?
The most common cause of duplicate symbols is including the same header file multiple times.
How do I remove the duplicate symbols from my code?
Once you have identified the duplicate symbols and their source, remove the duplicate definitions from your code.