---
name: "libssh2_init"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "libssh2"
version: "1.11.1-7"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/libssh2_init"
---

# libssh2\_init(3)

global library initialization

## NAME

libssh2\_init - global library initialization

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include <libssh2.h>
#define LIBSSH2_INIT_NO_CRYPTO 0x0001
int
libssh2_init(int flags);
```

## DESCRIPTION

Initialize the libssh2 functions. This typically initialize the crypto library. It uses a global state, and is not thread safe -- you must make sure this function is not called concurrently.

## RETURN VALUE

Returns 0 if succeeded, or a negative value for error.

## AVAILABILITY

Added in libssh2 1.2.5

## SEE ALSO

**[libssh2\_exit(3)](/libssh2_exit/3.md)**