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Functions in C

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1 views5 pages

Functions in C

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dark.sci.magic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Detailed Notes on Functions in C

In C, functions are blocks of code designed to perform specific tasks. They allow for modular

programming,

reusability, and better code organization. Below is a detailed breakdown of functions in C:

1. Anatomy of a Function:

A typical function in C has the following structure:

return_type function_name(parameter_list) {

// Function body

return value; // Optional, depends on return_type

Components:

- Return Type: Specifies the type of value the function returns (e.g., int, float, char, void).

- Function Name: Identifier used to call the function.

- Parameter List: Input values passed to the function, enclosed in parentheses.

- Function Body: Contains the code to perform the function's task.

- Return Statement: Ends the function and optionally returns a value.

Example:

int add(int a, int b) { return a + b; }

2. Function Declaration (Prototype):

Functions must be declared before they are used. A function declaration tells the compiler about the
function's name, return type, and parameters.

Syntax:

return_type function_name(parameter_list);

Example:

int add(int a, int b);

3. Function Definition:

This is where the actual implementation of the function is provided. It matches the declaration.

Example:

int add(int a, int b) { return a + b; }

4. Function Call:

To execute a function, use its name followed by parentheses containing arguments (if any).

Example:

int result = add(5, 10);

5. Types of Functions:

a. Based on Return Type:

- Returning a Value:

Example:

int square(int x) { return x * x; }

- Void Functions:

Example:
void printMessage() { printf("Hello, World!"); }

b. Based on Arguments:

- With Arguments and Return Value:

int multiply(int a, int b) { return a * b; }

- Without Arguments but with Return Value:

int getNumber() { return 42; }

- With Arguments but No Return Value:

void greet(char name[]) { printf("Hello, %s!", name); }

- Without Arguments and Return Value:

void sayHello() { printf("Hello, World!"); }

6. Storage Classes and Scope:

- Global Functions: Declared outside any function. Accessible throughout the program.

- Static Functions: Declared with static. Accessible only within the file.

Example:

static void internalFunction() { printf("This is static!"); }

7. Recursion:

A function that calls itself.

Example:

int factorial(int n) {

if (n == 0) return 1;

return n * factorial(n - 1);

}
8. Advantages of Functions:

- Code Reusability: Avoid rewriting the same code multiple times.

- Modularization: Makes code easier to debug and understand.

- Maintainability: Updates can be done in one place.

- Scalability: Functions can be added or modified without affecting the rest of the program.

9. Example Program:

#include <stdio.h>

// Function declaration

int add(int a, int b);

void printMessage();

int main() {

int num1 = 5, num2 = 10;

// Function call

int sum = add(num1, num2);

printf("Sum: %d\n", sum);

printMessage();

return 0;

// Function definition

int add(int a, int b) {


return a + b;

void printMessage() {

printf("This is a function example.\n");

Key Notes:

- Always declare functions before calling them or use prototypes.

- Parameters are passed by value by default in C. To modify original data, use pointers.

- Use meaningful names for functions and parameters for better readability.

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