---
name: "isspecial"
section: "3"
platform: "macos"
package: "Libc"
version: "1752.120.2"
release: "macOS 26.5"
platforms: ["freebsd", "macos"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/isspecial"
---

# isspecial(3)

special character test

## NAME

**isspecial** – special character test

## LIBRARY

Standard C Library (libc, -lc)

## SYNOPSIS

**#include \<ctype.h\>**

*int*\

**isspecial**(*int c*);

## DESCRIPTION

The **isspecial**() function tests for a special character. Special characters are locale dependent, and not necessarily consistent between different locales. Examples might include fractions and numbers inside circles.

## RETURN VALUES

The **isspecial**() function returns zero if the character tests false and returns non-zero if the character tests true.

## SEE ALSO

[ctype(3)](/ctype/3.md), [iswspecial(3)](/iswspecial/3.md), isalnum\_l

## HISTORY

The **isspecial**() function appeared in 4.4BSD.