What is the purpose of a single pound/hash sign (#) on its own line in the C/C++ preprocessor?
A # on its own on a line has no effect at all. I assume it's being used for aesthetic value.
The C standard says:
6.10.7 Null directive
Semantics
A preprocessing directive of the form
# new-linehas no effect.
The C++ standard says the same thing:
16.7 Null directive [cpp.null]
A preprocessing directive of the form
# new-linehas no effect.
It makes the source code look pretty, that's all.
Highlights the fact that the whole block is a preprocessor section.
And indeed, both the C and C++ preprocessors must ignore # on a line.
Always check an authoritative source instead of relying on other resources. C is standardised as ISO 9899::2011, C++ also has an ISO standard. Both are well accepted and the final drafts available by a short search. The C standard states in 6.10.7 (C++ has much the same text):
A preprocessing directive of the form
# new-linehas no effect.
This is a null directive, as much as an ; without a preceeding expression in the core-language is a null statement .
For the preprocessor it is just for formatting/readability to highlight that the lines belong semantically together. (the semicolon OTOH is semantically relevant).