Why Use `int main()` Instead of `void main()` in C/C ?

The Significance of Syntax in Main Function Declarations: void main vs. int main

When defining the main function in a C/C program, the choice between void main and int main is not merely a matter of preference but has substantial ramifications.

In C/C , the main function is typically defined as:

• int main()
• int main(int argc, char** argv)

Both of these declarations are valid and conform to the C specification. However, using void main as the declaration violates the standard.

void main(int argc, char** argv) is an outdated syntax that was previously supported by Microsoft's C compilers. It deviates from the C standard, which explicitly defines int main() as the correct function signature for the main function.

The significance of the int return type in int main() is that it allows the main function to indicate success or failure to the operating system. By convention, a successful termination is indicated by returning a zero, while non-zero values signify various error conditions.

In contrast, using void main implies that the main function does not return any information, which is not a valid behavior for the program entry point. Additionally, void main may lead to compilation errors or unexpected program behavior because it violates the C language standard.

Therefore, when declaring the main function in C/C , it is crucial to adhere to the standard and use int main() as the correct declaration. This ensures compatibility across compilers, conformance with code expectations, and the ability to report program status appropriately to the operating system.

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