Are there tools to identify unnecessary #include files in large C projects?

Discovering Unnecessary #include Files in Vast C Projects

Within a sprawling C project in Visual Studio 2008, countless files contain superfluous #include directives. Occasionally, these #includes are merely relics, allowing compilation post-removal. In other instances, classes can be declared in advance, permitting the #include to be relocated to the .cpp file. Are there tools capable of uncovering both scenarios?

Visual Studio's Inclusion Visualization

Visual Studio offers an /showIncludes setting (accessible via right-clicking on a .cpp file and selecting Properties->C/C ->Advanced) that yields a tree-like representation of all files incorporated during compilation. While this facility fails to flag unneeded inclusion files, it can highlight files that are likely redundant.

Pimpl Idiom for Reduced Code Interdependence

The pimpl idiom presents an additional option, minimizing header file interdependencies. This technique facilitates easier detection of removable cruft by isolating implementation code from header files.

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