In C, there appear to be differences between various values of zero -- NULL
, NUL
and 0
.
I know that the ASCII character
If NULL and 0 are equivalent as null pointer constants, which should I use? in the C FAQ list addresses this issue as well:
C programmers must understand that
NULL
and0
are interchangeable in pointer contexts, and that an uncast0
is perfectly acceptable. Any usage of NULL (as opposed to0
) should be considered a gentle reminder that a pointer is involved; programmers should not depend on it (either for their own understanding or the compiler's) for distinguishing pointer0
's from integer0
's.It is only in pointer contexts that
NULL
and0
are equivalent.NULL
should not be used when another kind of0
is required, even though it might work, because doing so sends the wrong stylistic message. (Furthermore, ANSI allows the definition ofNULL
to be((void *)0)
, which will not work at all in non-pointer contexts.) In particular, do not useNULL
when the ASCII null character (NUL
) is desired. Provide your own definition
#define NUL '\0'
if you must.