Unraveling the Enigma: Understanding Endless Loops Without Side Effects in C++ vs. C

A Comprehensive Comparison of Undefined Behavior in C and C++ When Dealing with Infinite Loops

In the world of programming languages like C and C++, subtle differences can have profound implications. One such distinction lies in the realm of infinite loops without side effects. While C and C++ share similarities, the way they treat endless loops without side effects can lead to varying outcomes, often involving undefined behavior. This article navigates through this enigmatic territory, shedding light on the nuances of how C and C++ handle infinite loops and their repercussions.

Endless loops are a common construct in programming. However, when these loops lack side effects — operations that modify variables or interact with the external world — they can behave unpredictably in both C and C++. This article delves into the reasons behind this behavior and the key differences in how C and C++ compilers handle such scenarios.

Endless Loop in C:

Consider a simple C code snippet with an infinite loop:

int main() {
    while (1) {
        // No side effects
    }
    return 0;
}