Is Recursion into main() Function Allowed in C ?

Recursion into Main() in C : Legality and Standard Considerations

In the realm of C programming, the behavior of recursion into the main() function has sparked some debate. While some sources suggest that it is forbidden, the compiler g appears to allow such recursion without raising any errors. This article aims to delve into the C standard and shed light on the legality of this practice.

Standard Prohibition of Recursion into Main()

According to the C standard in section 3.6.1/3, recursion into main() is explicitly prohibited. This provision states that "The function main shall not be used within a program."

Definition of "Used" in the Standard

In the context of the standard, "used" refers to an object or non-overloaded function whose name appears in a potentially-evaluated expression. Since main() is the entry point for any C program, its invocation within an expression or statement constitutes its usage.

G 's Behavior Towards Recursion into Main()

Despite the standard's prohibition, g allows the compilation of code that recurses into main(). This behavior may be attributed to the compiler's implementation-specific and non-conforming interpretation of the standard.

Implications and Consequences

Recursively calling main() can have unpredictable consequences in C . The compiler may terminate the program with an error, or it may lead to undefined behavior, such as stack overflow or infinite recursion.

Recommended Practice

To ensure adherence to the C standard and avoid potential issues, it is highly recommended to refrain from recursing into the main() function. Instead, consider using techniques such as loop or recursion with a helper function to achieve the desired functionality.

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