In this post we will read about main function and understand how main() function is used in C programming and how we define main function in C programs.
Whenever we do any work in our life, then most of us know from where we have to start the work and where to end it.
Similarly, when you compile and run C programs, the main () function present in your programs acts as the entry point and exit point for the compiler and operating system.
The main function in C programming is a built-in function whose only prototype is predefined by the C compiler and its body (functionality) is defined by the programmer.
Most of the important code (statements) of your C programs comes inside the body of main() function ie curly braces { } and these statements are executed one by one.
There are many prototypes of declaring the main() function in C language. Here I am telling you the 2 most common declarations.
The first method is easier to write but the standard method is not. The second method is the standard and recommended method, so I would suggest that you use the second method.
Contents
main() function non-standard declaration:
main() function standard declaration:
You can also read: Compile and Run C Program
What is the meaning of return 0 in main function?
return 0 is written before the closing curly braces } in the standard declaration of the main() function. Let us understand what is the meaning of return 0 in main function.
When the C program reaches the return statement without any error, then 0 value is returned to the operating system from there, which means that the C program has been successfully run.
You can use any integer value other than 0 with the return statement, but you have to find out what that value means for the operating system, as 0 means the program has successfully run.
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