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.
