Introduction

1 With the introduction of new devices and extended character sets, new features may be
added to this International Standard. Subclauses in the language and library clauses warn
implementors and programmers of usages which, though valid in themselves, may
conflict with future additions.
2 Certain features are obsolescent, which means that they may be considered for
withdrawal in future revisions of this International Standard. They are retained because
of their widespread use, but their use in new implementations (for implementation
features) or new programs (for language [6.11] or library features [7.26]) is discouraged.
3 This International Standard is divided into four major subdivisions:
— preliminary elements (clauses 1−4);
— the characteristics of environments that translate and execute C programs (clause 5);
— the language syntax, constraints, and semantics (clause 6);
— the library facilities (clause 7).
4 Examples are provided to illustrate possible forms of the constructions described.
Footnotes are provided to emphasize consequences of the rules described in that
subclause or elsewhere in this International Standard. References are used to refer to
other related subclauses. Recommendations are provided to give advice or guidance to
implementors. Annexes provide additional information and summarize the information
contained in this International Standard. A bibliography lists documents that were
referred to during the preparation of the standard.
5 The language clause (clause 6) is derived from ‘‘The C Reference Manual’’.
6 The library clause (clause 7) is based on the 1984 /usr/group Standard.