EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·Jul 25·5 min read
Writing a (valid) C program without main()
TL;DR
A C program can be executed without a main() function, demonstrating the flexibility of the C compilation pipeline. This tutorial guides you through the process of creating a valid executable by manipulating the compilation stages.
✦ Why It Matters
Experiment with removing main() in your C programs to deepen your understanding of the compilation process.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the C compilation pipeline to understand program execution.
- Create a custom _start entry point to bypass main().
- Use raw system calls for direct kernel interaction.
- Learn how to compile and link without standard libraries.
How It Works
By defining a custom _start function, you can control the program's entry point and directly invoke system calls, allowing for execution without the standard C runtime.