Thread: The 'main()' question!

I'm intensively trying to learn how to program C++. I am using Visual C++ 2005 Express.

I have had numerous books that have told me to write this:

Code:

#include

using namespace std;

main()
{

cout << "Hello World!" << endl;

}

Okay, I understand it all, but I don't understand the main() part. Everytime I try to compile it, I get an error. The only way I can get it to compile is if I type int main() or void main(void).

If anyone can explain why this is, it would be more than helpful. Thank-You!