emptyString is used for const std::string& return values and as an optimization in some cases. But those are insolated cases.

The goal is to remove it from config.h because that file should only contain "configuration" related stuff.

Also the <string> makes this one of the heavier headers.

Even worse though is the fact that the include affects the preprocessor checks. We are (were?) checking non-compiler/built-in defines which were transiently included leading to portability issues.

Even worse though is the fact that the include affects the preprocessor checks. We are (were?) checking non-compiler/built-in defines which were transiently included leading to portability issues.

I think this also implies that config.h always needs to be the very first include. Something for later ... as usual.