Should BOOL and bool be different types in Objective-C++?

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Created Dec ’23

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I have an overloaded function, one version with a BOOL parameter and one with a bool parameter. It gives me a redefinition error when compiling for Apple Silicon but not when compiling for Intel.

Answered by Scott in 774940022

This is mentioned in the Apple silicon porting guide:

On Apple silicon, the compiler defines the BOOL type to be a native bool, but on Intel-based Mac computers, it is a signed char.

But even though it works on Intel, I’d suggest that overloading that way could result in a confusing and error-prone API.

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Scott OP

Dec ’23

Accepted Answer

This is mentioned in the Apple silicon porting guide:

On Apple silicon, the compiler defines the BOOL type to be a native bool, but on Intel-based Mac computers, it is a signed char.

But even though it works on Intel, I’d suggest that overloading that way could result in a confusing and error-prone API.

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