execve() and the compiler

I have a main and another function in two different .C files and when i try to compile the function.c it gives me the error "undefined reference to main". How do i compile function() so that i get two separate executables, one for main and one for the function. I am trying to call execve in the main on this other function and i need an executable to call from correct?. Thanks.

You can't create an executable out of just one function. Every executable needs a main() so that the operating system knows where to start executing the program.

If you want two programs, you need two main() functions.

But really, you shouldn't be using execve() just to call another part of your program! What's wrong with a straight function call?

That's how i would normally do it but it is a project for a class. Should my function have its own main then?

As noted by dwks if you want two executables, function.c needs its own main() otherwise when the program is loaded into memory the OS will have no clue where to even begin executing it.

gcc main.c function.c

If you have

Code:

---

// main.c
extern void function();
int main ( ) {
  function();
  return 0;
}


// function.c
void function ( ) {
  // code goes here
}

---