Chapter 2 Program Structure

This chapter gives an overview of C programs and program execution. Terms and features important to understanding C programs and components are also introduced. After a brief look at program components, this chapter describes the main function and its arguments. Topics discussed include:

Source files and translation units.

The main function and command-line arguments.

Lifetime and storage duration.

Scope and visibility.

Linkage.

Name spaces.

Because this chapter is an overview, the topics discussed contain introductory material only. See the cross-referenced information for more detailed explanations.