How Does Java's System.exit(0) Compare to C++'s return 0?

What are the differences between Java's System.exit(0) and C++'s return 0 in application termination?

// Java example
public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.exit(0); // Terminates the Java Virtual Machine
    }
}

// C++ example
#include <iostream>

int main() {
    return 0; // Exits the program normally
}

Java's System.exit(0) and C++'s return 0 serve to terminate programs, yet they operate distinctly within their environments. System.exit(0) instructs the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) to halt, while return 0 signals the end of a function in C++, generally indicating successful execution to the operating system.

// Java example: Terminating a Java program
public class Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Some code logic
        System.exit(0); // Exits the JVM
    }
}

// C++ example: Returning from main
#include <iostream>

int main() {
    // Some code logic
    return 0;  // Exits the program successfully
}

Causes

• System.exit(0) is a method call designed explicitly for terminating the Java program and is not standard in C++.
• C++'s return 0 indicates successful completion of the main function and exits the program without the need for special termination methods.

Solutions

• Use System.exit(0) in Java when you need to terminate the program forcefully or from anywhere within your application.
• In C++, return 0 or exit(0) can be used from the main function to inform the operating system of a successful execution.

Mistake: Using System.exit(0) within a non-main thread in Java that does not terminate other threads gracefully.

Solution: Be cautioned about other running threads; it's better to manage shutdown procedures for multi-threaded applications.

Mistake: Forgetting that return values in C++ main can change depending on the context of program execution.

Solution: It's good practice to check for specific exit codes instead of defaulting to return 0.