Is Recursion into `main()` Allowed in C ?

Recursion into main() in C : Is it Allowed?

Despite the notion that C prohibits recursion into the main(), there are instances where code like the following compiles without errors using g :

int main()
{
    main();
}

This raises the question: does the C standard permit such recursion?

Answer:

The C standard explicitly forbids recursion into main() in section 3.6.1/3, which states that "The function main shall not be used within a program." In this context, "used" refers to situations where "its name appears in a potentially-evaluated expression."

Therefore, recursive calls to main() are not allowed in C programs. The compiler's ability to compile the provided code without errors is likely due to its implementation-specific optimizations or a loophole in its interpretation of the standard. However, it is not recommended to rely on such behavior as it goes against the explicit prohibition in the language specification.

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