Trying to use/include/compile 3rd party library, libmagic. C/C++ filetype detection

Question

After looking for a way to detect the filetype of a file stream, I found that the Unix file command uses libmagic and I\'m trying to make use of the library myself, but I can\'t

Answer 1

I don't know why you think the above "obviously" doesn't work. See How to mix C and C++ in the C++ FAQ for details.

Looks like magic.h has proper extern "C" { } enclosures. So, compiling your code with g++ should work nicely. You can #include in your .cpp file, and use all the libmagic functions.

• Is there a particular error you're getting?
• I have not checked your use of the libmagic functions.
• You need to link with libmagic. Your g++ command needs -lmagic.
• Since magic.h is most likely in a standard place, you should use #include .

Tell us what your error is for more specific help.