Function definitions

The elements of a function definition are as follows:

Function storage class specifiers, which specify linkage
Function return type specifiers, which specify the data type of a value to be returned
Function specifiers, which specify additional properties for functions
Function declarators, which include function identifiers as well as lists of parameters
The function body, which is a braces-enclosed series of statements representing the actions that the function performs
Constructor-initializers, which are used only in constructor functions declared in classes; they are described in Constructors (C++ only).
Try blocks, which are used in class functions; they are described in try blocks (C++ only).

Function definitions take the following form:

Function definition syntax (C only)

Function definition syntax (C++ only)

Notes:

¹ This syntax is valid only in the C++11 standard.
² This syntax is valid only in the C++11 standard.

Note: When function_declarator incorporates a trailing return type, return_type_specifer must be auto. For more information about trailing return type, see Trailing return type (C++11).