What are command-line arguments in C?

Command-line arguments in C refer to the parameters that are passed to a program when it is invoked from the command line interface. This allows users to provide input to a program at runtime, enabling the program to operate based on those inputs.

In C, these command-line arguments are accessible within the main function through the parameters usually defined as int argc and char *argv[]. Here, argc counts the number of arguments passed to the program, including the program's name itself, while argv is an array of strings that holds the actual arguments.

This mechanism is essential for creating flexible programs that can accept various inputs without requiring hardcoded values. By allowing inputs to be passed at runtime, command-line arguments enhance the usability and versatility of C programs.