Why can't '#define' define this?

Question

#define ... ;

Why is the preprocessor not allowing it?

I wanted to make things like this:

#define printing cout //Working. !!!
#define ... ; //Error. !!!

printing<<"Hi"... //In main

#define is used for substitutions, right?
Then this should work!

Is it that alphabets are required, and define won't work without them??

Answer 1

You're prolly trying to do something like this?

https://code.sololearn.com/cuN2aN7mD9v6/?ref=app

Answer 2

Yeah I've looked at the MSDN C++ docs and ... is not a valid identifier. Here is the list of valid identifiers:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/565w213d.aspx

Answer 3

Because the second argument must be a keyword a constant or a statement.

Answer 4

Ok, so I can only use valid identifiers in the first argument?

That explains the error...

Thank You!!!

Answer 5

Yes! ... Something more 'English'...

Answer 6

Its a null statement.

And anyway, this works:

#define ever ;;

for(ever) //in main
{}