--- /dev/null
+/*
+ * This file is part of fastq-tools.
+ *
+ * Copyright (c) 2011 by Daniel C. Jones <dcjones@cs.washington.edu>
+ *
+ * common :
+ * A few common functions, primarily for crashing whilst retaining our dignity.
+ *
+ */
+
+#ifndef FASTQ_TOOLS_COMMON_H
+#define FASTQ_TOOLS_COMMON_H
+
+#include <stdio.h>
+
+void or_die(int b, const char* msg);
+
+void* malloc_or_die(size_t);
+void* realloc_or_die(void*, size_t);
+FILE* fopen_or_die(const char*, const char*);
+
+#endif
+