Creating Imports

On this page:

• Introduction
• Importing missing header files
• Importing an XML namespace
• Importing TypeScript symbols

Introduction

When you reference a symbol that has not yet been imported, CLion helps you to locate the file (header, as a rule) which contains declaration (definition) of that symbol and adds it to the list of includes.

The import statement adds to the imports section, but the cursor does not move from the current position, and your current editing session does not interrupt. This feature is known as the Import Assistant.

The same possibility applies to the XML files. When you type a tag with an unbound namespace, import assistant suggests to create a namespace and offers a list of appropriate choices.

Importing missing header files

If you know that a class or function exists in your project or in a standard C/C++ library, use it in your code.

To import a header file, follow these steps:

1. Type a reference to a non-imported class or function.
2. Press Alt+Enter. If there are multiple choices, select the desired import from the list.

   

Importing an XML namespace

To import an XML namespace, follow these steps:

1. Open the desired file for editing, and start typing a tag. If a namespace is not bound, the following prompt appears:

   

2. Press Alt+Enter. If there are multiple choices, select the desired namespace from the list.

   

Importing TypeScript symbols

In the TypeScript context, CLion can generate import statements for modules, classes, and any other symbol that can be exported and called as a type. Open the desired file in the editor and do one of the following:

• Start typing the short name of a symbol. From the suggested variants for completion, select the relevant symbol name:

  

• Position the cursor at the unresolved symbol, which is displayed in red, and press Alt+Enter:

  

  On the context menu, select Add import statement and press Enter.
• Configure CLion to show a pop-up every time you hover the mouse pointer over an unresolved reference which required import:
  1. Open the Settings / Preferences Dialog by pressing Ctrl+Alt+S or by choosing File | Settings for Windows and Linux or CLion | Preferences for OS X. Expand the Editor node, and then click Auto Import under General.
  2. On the Auto Import page that opens, select the Show import pop-up check box in the TypeScript area.

  Every time you hover the mouse pointer over an unresolved symbol, CLion will display the following pop-up message:

  

  Press Alt+Enter to have an import statement generated and inserted automatically.

In either case, CLion inserts an import statement: