Prototype
A function prototype is a declaration specifying a function’s name, return type, and parameter types without its implementation.
Modern C, Third Edition
A function prototype is a declaration that specifies a function's name, return type, and parameter types without providing its body.
- How it is used
- Determines how functions can be called by making parameter and return types available to the caller.
- How deep it goes
- Explains declaration syntax, optional parameter names, void conventions, and call-site conversions; defers details of `extern`.
- Examples
- Uses `leapyear` declarations, a `fbar(2)/2` call, and portable `main` prototypes.
- What you can do after
- Apply it to declare callable functions and reason about argument conversion, return types, and portable `main` signatures.
Modern C
A function prototype is a declaration that specifies a function's parameter types and return type.
- How it is used
- Uses parameter and return types to govern function calls and guide compiler conversions.
- How deep it goes
- Explains declaration syntax, void conventions, conversions, and special main forms without descending into linkage details.
- Examples
- Uses leapyear declarations, fbar argument conversion, main prototypes, and the exit declaration.
- What you can do after
- Evaluate function interfaces and anticipate compiler checking and conversions at calls.
Related concepts
- header filepart of · A header file is a source file containing declarations, definitions, macros, or other interface information intended for inclusion in one or more source files during compilation.
- callconfigures · A function call is an operation or expression that invokes a function or other callable, optionally supplies arguments, and initiates its execution.
- return typehas part · A return type is the declared or inferred type of the value that a function or method supplies to its caller.
- void typeconfigured by · A void type is a type or return designation indicating that an operation produces no meaningful value for its caller.
- declarationkind of · A declaration is source syntax that introduces a program entity and specifies its name, type, or other properties without necessarily defining it or assigning a value.
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