abort() — Stop a Program

Format

#include <stdlib.h>
void abort(void);

Language Level

ANSI

Threadsafe

Yes

Description

The abort() function causes an abnormal end of the program and returns control to the host environment. Like the exit() function, the abort() function deletes buffers and closes open files before ending the program.

Calls to the abort() function raise the SIGABRT signal. The abort() function will not result in the ending of the program if SIGABRT is caught by a signal handler, and the signal handler does not return.

Note: When compiled with SYSIFCOPT(*ASYNCSIGNAL), the abort() function cannot be called in a signal handler.

Return Value

There is no return value.

Example

This example tests for successful opening of the file myfile. If an error occurs, an error message is printed, and the program ends with a call to the abort() function. 
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
 
int main(void)
{
   FILE *stream;
 
   if ((stream = fopen("mylib/myfile", "r")) == NULL)
   {
      perror("Could not open data file");
      abort();
   }
}

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