#include <time>

do i need to use time as a variable type; is it defined for that type of use?

Code:

---

#include <time.h>

// aditional code

int main(void)
{
    time_t // or do i just use time and then say stuff like time now, start, finish
    // additional code
}

---

time_t is NOT a variable, but it is a typedef for an unsigned int. So what you posted is the same as this

Code:

---

int main
{
  unsigned int  <<<wrong
}

---

This is incorrect because you did not specify a variable name

Code:

---

int main
{
  time_t today;  <<<right
}

---

>but it is a typedef for an unsigned int
Amazing that you can somehow divine the underlying type when even the standard isn't specific. I'm impressed. :rolleyes:

time is a function. time_t is a type as is clock_t and the struct tm.
http://www.cplusplus.com/ref/ctime/

Also, use #include <ctime>.

If you haven't learned about structures yet, you need to understand them first.

There's some <ctime> information in the cprogramming.com FAQ too.

well ty i read a little more, i am teaching myself and without seeing code, it can be difficult. Anyway i got it i have read about typedef's