Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: The call to main() after exit() never executes
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This item checks understanding of program termination using exit and control flow. It also explores whether a C program can recursively call main and what happens to statements after exit.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
exit terminates the entire process after running atexit handlers and flushing streams; no code placed after exit in the same control path executes. While calling main recursively is allowed by the standard, here that call is unreachable due to exit being unconditional.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Condition true → enter block;printf outputs “CuriousTab”.exit(0) terminates the process immediately.main() after exit is unreachable and never executes.
Verification / Alternative check:
Place a second printf after exit and observe it never runs; or substitute return to see different behavior.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Five prints would require looping or recursion; both are cut off by exit. “Once” is true but incomplete; option C captures the precise reasoning. There is no compile-time error solely for calling main; and “prints nothing” contradicts the first printf.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing exit with return; assuming statements after exit can still run; believing main cannot be called recursively.
Final Answer:
The call to main() after exit() never executes
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