export is a little-known keyword listed in the ANSI standard for the C++ programming language. Rarely (if ever!) implemented by compiler writers, the purpose of export is to allow templated class definitions to be compiled to an intermediate form so that they can be reused between projects, included in multiple compilation units, or given to strangers (possibly in exchange for candy) without the need to include the entire templated class declaration and recompile it every time it's used. An example of its usage:

export template<typename T> class Foo
{
    T value;

public:
    Foo(T initValue)
        {value = initValue;}

    T negate()
        {return -value;}
};

Most compilers recognize the keyword, but treat it as a no-op. To date, only two compilers even pretend to support the keyword: Comeau C++ and Edison C++. The Edison Design Group (creators of Edison C++) license compilers to Microsoft, so it's always possible that support for export will eventually make its way into Microsoft's development suite, and thus into widespread usage. With Microsoft's increasing focus on .NET, however, this is unlikely.

Ex*port" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Exported; p. pr. & vb. n. Exporting.] [L. exportare, exportatum; ex out+portare to carry : cf. F. exporter. See Port demeanor.]

1.

To carry away; to remove.

[Obs.]

[They] export honor from a man, and make him a return in envy. Bacon.

2.

To carry or send abroad, or out of a country, especially to foreign countries, as merchandise or commodities in the way of commerce; -- the opposite of import; as, to export grain, cotton, cattle, goods, etc.

 

© Webster 1913.


Ex"port (?), n.

1.

The act of exporting; exportation; as, to prohibit the export of wheat or tobacco.

2.

That which is exported; a commodity conveyed from one country or State to another in the way of traffic; -- used chiefly in the plural, exports.

The ordinary course of exchange . . . between two places must likewise be an indication of the ordinary course of their exports and imports. A. Smith.

 

© Webster 1913.

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