VS2008: Can I build a project with 2 CPP files of the same name in different folders?

Question

Here is my folder structure:

/
|
 -- program.cpp
 -- utility.h
 -- utility.cpp
|
 -- module/
    |
     -- utility.h
     -- utility.cpp

// Note that I have two files named utility.h and two named utility.cpp

On building the project, I get a link error (LNK2028: unresolved token and so on...) saying that some symbols aren't defined. I have confirmed that all symbols are defined and that all declared functions have a corresponding definition.

I have a feeling that on compiling my project, the utility.cpp files from both folders are compiled into the same utility.obj in the output folder. As a result, one overwrites the other.

1. Is this expected behaviour?
2. How do I build a C++ binary which has two files with the same name (though in different folders)?

Answer 1

Right click both/either .cpp files > properties > C/C++ > Output Files > Object File Name > set a custom name. e.g. if both files are named MyFile.cpp in folder A and another in folder B, you can set the output to be AMyFile and BMyFile.

Alternatively, you can also use a macro to prefix the object names with the immediate parent folder name (i.e. using $(IntDir)\$(SafeParentName)$(SafeInputName)). If this is not enough (e.g. you have A/B/MyFile.cpp and C/B/MyFile.cpp) and you don't mind having some object files cluttering your source tree, you can also use $(InputDir)\ which will put the object files in the same folder as the source file.

the cpp files will then be compiled into two different object files..

enjoy!

Update for VS2010: There is a better solution in VS2010, check it out here. Thanks to n1ck's comment

btw, if the contents have the same name, do you separate them using different namespaces?

namespace A { // in folder A
    class CMyFile {};
};

namespace B{ // in folder B
    class CMyFile {};
};

// client.cpp
#include "A/MyFile.h"
#include "B/MyFile.h"
int main() {
    A::CMyFile aMyFile;
    B::CMyFile bMyFile;
    return 0;
}

I don't know if it matters but it's definitely clearer to human : D

Answer 2

You could try adding another project to your solution, which will build a static mudule.lib file from your module's .cpp .h, then link your main project with that lib. It should make VS to output .obj files in a separate directory, and you should be able to link without problems.

Answer 3

Do you really WANT two different but same-named files in the same project?