What's the difference between gtest.lib and gtest_main.lib?

Question

Google\'s C++ Test Framework has two output libraries: one is gtest.lib and the other one is gtest_main.lib. According to Nik Reiman\'s answer on how to setup gtest with Vis

Answer 1

the only reasonable difference is that gtest_main.lib provides a default implementation of a test application entry point (i.e. main function):

Citation from Getting started with Google C++ Testing Framework:

"[...] maybe you think that writing all those main() functions is too much work? We agree with you completely and that's why Google Test provides a basic implementation of main(). If it fits your needs, then just link your test with gtest_main library and you are good to go."

If you want to write your main function yourself - you should link with gtest.lib.