What does int argc, char *argv[] mean?

Question

In many C++ IDE\'s and compilers, when it generates the main function for you, it looks like this:

int main(int argc, char *argv[])

When I

Answer 1

Both of

int main(int argc, char *argv[]);
int main();

are legal definitions of the entry point for a C or C++ program. Stroustrup: C++ Style and Technique FAQ details some of the variations that are possible or legal for your main function.