What's the Correct Way to Declare the `main` Function in C ?

The Significance of Declaring Main Function Correctly

In C and C , the main function is the entry point of any program. The declaration syntax of the main function can vary, leading to the question of whether there is a difference in declaring it as void main or int main.

The Main Difference

The correct way to declare the main function in C is:

int main(int argc, char** argv)

Alternatively, the following declaration is also acceptable:

int main()

However, declaring the main function as void main is incorrect:

void main(int argc, char** argv)

Why it Matters

Declaring main as void violates the C standard. According to the C specification, main must return an integer value to indicate the exit status of the program. A void function cannot return a value, so a void main is not compliant with the standard.

Historical Note

The incorrect void main declaration was introduced with older versions of Microsoft's C compilers. However, it is essential to use the correct standard-compliant declaration to avoid potential issues.

Conclusion

While the choice of main function declaration may seem trivial, using the correct syntax is crucial. Declaring main as int main ensures compliance with C standards and avoids potential errors.

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