forced termination vs std exit

Difference Between Forced Termination and std::exit(1)

1. Forced Termination

• Occurs when a process is killed externally or internally via functions like std::terminate(), abort(), or sending a signal like SIGKILL.
• Bypasses normal cleanup routines (e.g., destructors of objects with automatic storage duration are not called).
• Can be abrupt and may leave resources (files, memory) in an inconsistent state.

2. std::exit(1)

• Terminates the program but ensures normal cleanup occurs, such as calling static/global destructors and flushing buffered output.
• Does not return to the caller but allows registered exit handlers (atexit()) to run.
• Returns an exit status (1 in this case) to indicate an error, which can be captured by the calling process.

Summary

Forced termination is abrupt and may skip cleanup, while std::exit(1) allows for orderly shutdown with proper cleanup.