how are we able to use the less than sign( '<'or even greater than( '>') ) in #include directive if c doesn't support operator overloading? -

we know c doesn't support operator overloading.can tell me if so, how able use less sign in #include directive , in comparison also? or functionality provided called else , defined in language?

many symbols in c have different meaning depending on context.

example:

* can mean either multiplication or pointer dereference.

such dual meanings makes bit tricky write c parser , trickier provide helpful error messages when code doesn't compile.

note dual meaning not operator overloading. 2 separate operators.

when comes #include directives answer processed pre-processor. after pre-processor step < , > gone - line has been replaced entire contents of include file.