Do not use a semicolon on the same line as an if, for, or while statement because this typically indicates programmer error and can result in unexpected behavior.

Noncompliant Code Example

In this noncompliant code example, a semicolon is used on the same line as an if statement.

if (a == b); {
  /* ... */
}

Compliant Solution

It is likely, in this example, that the semicolon was accidentally inserted.

if (a == b) {
  /* ... */
}

Related Guidelines

CERT C Secure Coding Standard: EXP15-C. Do not place a semicolon on the same line as an if, for, or while statement

Bibliography

\[Hatton 1995\] Section 2.7.2, "Errors of omission and addition"

FIO14-J. Use an int to capture the return value of functions that read a character or byte      12. Input Output (FIO)      13. Input Validation and Data Sanitization (IDS)