Question

The _________ function causes a program to terminate.

Short answer

Answer: The `exit()` function is responsible for program termination. To use it, include the `stdlib.h` header file in your program and call the function with an integer argument, where 0 indicates a successful termination and a non-zero value indicates an error or abnormal termination. For example, `exit(0);`.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Function

The function that causes a program to terminate is called `exit()`.

Include Necessary Header

In order to use the `exit()` function, we need to include the `stdlib.h` header file. Add `#include ` at the beginning of your program.

Use exit() Function

To use the `exit()` function, simply call it with an integer argument within your program. The argument represents the exit status. A zero (0) indicates a successful termination, and a non-zero value indicates an error or abnormal termination. For example: `exit(0);`

Sample Program

Here's a sample program that utilizes the `exit()` function: ``` #include #include int main() { printf("This is a sample program that demonstrates the use of the exit() function.\n"); printf("Press any key to exit the program.\n"); getchar(); exit(0); return 0; } ``` In this program, after printing the statements to the console, the program waits for the user to press any key. Once a key is pressed, the `exit(0)` function is called to terminate the program gracefully.

Key concepts

exit() Function

The `exit()` function in C++ is a standard library function used to terminate a program. It's crucial when you need to stop a program's execution immediately. This function belongs to the family of functions provided by the C Standard Library and is available in the `` or `` header file.

The `exit()` function is versatile because it can be called at any point within the program. When invoking `exit()`, you need to pass an integer status code, which provides information about why the program is terminating:

• A status code of `0` typically means the program has terminated successfully without errors.
• A non-zero status indicates an error or abnormal termination.

Using `exit()` helps in debugging and managing program flow, especially in complex applications that require graceful shutdowns when unexpected conditions occur.

Program Termination

Program termination refers to the process by which a running program ends its operation. In C++, terminating a program can be achieved either normally or abnormally, depending on whether it ends successfully or with errors. The `exit()` function is frequently used to mark the termination point of a program.

When a program ends using `exit()`, it performs several clean-up actions:

• Automatic flushing of output buffers, ensuring all data is written to the intended destination before termination.
• Invocation of exit handlers registered via `atexit()` or `on_exit()` functions.

Once these processes are complete, control is returned to the operating system. This organized conclusion ensures that any resources the program used, such as memory and file handles, are safely released, avoiding potential resource leaks or corruption.

stdlib.h Header File

The `` header file is a cornerstone of the C Standard Library, essential for many core functionalities in C and C++ programs. It's especially important for its inclusion of the `exit()` function, along with other utilities like memory allocation, process control, conversions, and pseudo-random number generation.

To use functions like `exit()`, you must include this header file at the beginning of your program by adding `#include `. This inclusion allows access to numerous functions:

• `abort()`: Used to terminate the program abnormally.
• `atexit()`: Registers functions to be executed on normal program termination.
• `malloc()`, `calloc()`, `free()`: Functions for dynamic memory management.
• `atoi()`, `atof()`, `atol()`: String to number conversion functions.

Incorporating `` enhances your program's ability to control execution and manage resources effectively. Therefore, understanding and using this header file is a foundational skill for C++ programmers.