The minimal style requirements for programs handed in as part of assigments are as follows:

1. All the programs must use Standard (``ANSI'') C. ``Traditional C'' is not to be used where it conflicts with Standard C.
2. Your programs must compile and execute properly on the Erindale CS Lab machine tuzo. It is not enough that your program works correctly on your home machine.
3. All functions, except main, must have prototypes, even if the prototype immediately precedes the function definition.
4. All function definitions (except main) must be preceded by an explanatory comment stating completely but concisely the purpose of the function, including the role of all function arguments. Note that this comment must come immediately before the function header, not after. Note also that the comment does not describe the implementation of the function unless that is an unavoidable part of specifying the interface.
5. Global variables are nearly forbidden. ``Nearly forbidden'' means that you may only use a global variable if you write a comment justifying its use next to the declaration that defines it. Your tutor may reject the explanation, in which case you will be considered to have broken the rule.
6. ``Magic numbers'' are forbidden. Use #define to give names to constants. The only exception is zero, which can be used as a success or failure return value from functions, and the null character is '\0'. For example, use constants ``true'' and ``false'' #defined to 1 and 0 respectively. These are not the conventional C definitions, but they agree with C++, so we should get used to them.
7. Your programs must be indented or paragraphed to help the marker read them. On Unix, use cb or indent, or do it by hand.