How does import_array in numpy C API work?

I am trying to convert a c-style array in c++ to a numpy array and ran into problems when trying to use the "PyArray_SimpleNewFromData" function. It turns out I need to call

import_array()

Though I do not understand how to call this function. Whenever I try calling it I get compiler error which I do not manage to understand. For instance writing the following simple script:

#include <Python.h>
#include <numpy/arrayobject.h>

int main(){
    Py_Initialize();
    import_array();
    Py_Finalize();
    return 0;
}

produces the compiler error

error: return-statement with no value, in function returning 'int' [-fpermissive] import_array();

I looked at several examples, such as :

Numpy C-Api example gives a SegFault

PyArray_SimpleNewFromData example

https://codereview.stackexchange.com/questions/92266/sending-a-c-array-to-python-numpy-and-back

Numpy/CAPI error with import_array() when compiling multiple modules

But whatever I try (even when seemingly following those examples) I seem to run into the compiler error above. What am I missing or doing wrong? An explanation on how the import_array() function should be called would be very welcome. Thanks for the help!

Update:

I am using python 2.7.11, and I think it might be related to what is discussed here :

https://github.com/clemenscorny/brisk/issues/3

but I still have no idea how to fix it.

Copyright Notice：Content Author:「W. Verbeke」，Reproduced under the CC 4.0 BY-SA copyright license with a link to the original source and this disclaimer.
Link to original article：https://stackoverflow.com/questions/52828873/how-does-import-array-in-numpy-c-api-work